WQe �tnru nf Werreu lflills anh iuffus lfl'nrest
1805-1988
<&an Jlalsttah
Afar from bustling crowds and busy stir And streets which limit air and sky and space, I see the bush roads winding o'er the spur To which the rover turns his eager face. He needs must listen when the far roads call, That skirt some crystal stream thro' ferny glade On through forests where the dead leaves fall, And soft and cool's the shaded pathway made. From 'Bush Roads', Charles Daley Commissioned by Australian Geographic and published in the Bicentenary year of 1988 by Nungurner Press Pty Ltd
Copyright©l988 G. E. Halstead
ISBN O 9593401 1 4
Printed in Australia by Macarthur Press Sales Pty Limited
This book is copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher.
By the same author: 77,e Story of Merung The Story of Sr. Ives (N. S. W.) Foreword
Although I have lived in Terrey Hills for indeed fortunate to live in such beautiful in our community. The inspirational souls only ten years, my association with the area surroundings and to be part of a close-knit who lead the Progress Association and other goes back to 1959 when, as part of my community whose members tend to know community organisations are witness to this. Queen's Scout Award, a two-day bushwalk each other and are quick to offer help when it And we can still close off the streets for took me through Duffys Forest. Five years is needed. It is fortunate that the community billycart races, as we did recently. All this, later I joined the Coal and Candle Bush Fire spirit this book chronicles is very much alive we believe, is more important than Brigade, and in 1967 I installed the two-way today, the kind of spirit that fired Ruby development or change. radio equipment for the production of the Duncan to become involved in everything It gives me great pleasure to be involved Skippy TV series at Waratah Park. from the Housewives Association and the with this history of Terrey Hills and Duffys In those days I never thought I would one Women's Pioneer Society to the building of Forest. I commend Gay Halstead for her day make the area both my home and place of the community hall. Her compassionate idea important record and I am proud to be work. Like others, I was lured by what seemed of housing destitute women from the city in associated, through Australian Geographic, a delightful contradiction: here was a place converted old buses near her property in with its publication. with a country-town atmosphere, surrounded Terrey Hills is an inspiration to us all. by a magnificent expanse of bush, and yet it We people of Terrey Hills and Duffys Dick Smith was only half an hour's drive from the Sydney Forest may tend to resist change - heaven Founder Harbour Bridge! help a developer who proposes a hotel or Australian Geographic Society And that is exactly how it is. We 'Terrey other major project for the area - and Hillbillies' (as some people call us) are fortunately there are still many Ruby Duncans Contents
Acknowlcdgments ...... vi
PART I IN THE BEGINNING PART III TERREY HILLS The geophysical formation ...... 2 . . . The Terrey family ...... 24 The Red Cross ...... 62 Eccle ton du Faur ...... 2 The Hills family ...... 26 The Clubs ...... 62 The Aborigines...... 2 . Early settlers ...... 29 Senior Citizens' Club ...... 62 The explorers ...... 3 . The Waldon family ...... 29 Boy Scouts and Cubs ...... 62 The timbergetters...... 4 The Brown family ...... 30 Girl Guides and Brownies ...... 64 The Barrie (Williams) family ...... 33 Rotary ...... 65 The Duncan family ...... 36 Apex ...... 65 PART II DUFFYS FOREST The Curry family ...... 41 Sporting Clubs ...... 66 The temporary residents ...... 6. . . The Progress Association ...... 42 Cricket Club ...... 66 The permanent settlers ...... 8 . . The schools ...... 44 Terrey Hills Rugby Union Football Club.66 The Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade ...... 12 Terrey Hills Public School ...... 44 Soccer Club ...... 67 The Progress Association ...... 13 Sydney Japanese School ...... 48 Terrey Hills Rugby League Club ...... 67 Development ...... 15 West Head Progressive School (Eramboo)49 The Churches ...... 68 Kinma ...... 50 Methodist (now Uniting) Church ...... 68 Northern Beaches Christian School ...... 50 s·t. Paul Anglican Church ...... 68 The Armenian School...... 50 St. Anthony-in-the-Fields ...... 69 The preschool and kindergarten ...... 51 Industrial and commercial development .... 70 The Post Office ...... 52 Roads ...... 72 The Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade ...... 54 Local place and Street names ...... 73 The Community Centre ...... 56 The first lease holders in Terrey Hills The Library ...... 59 and Duffys Forest ...... 74 Acknowledgments
Dick Smith, publisher of Australian Harold, Suzanne, Margaret and Cecil Hills, Rodney Maroc, Joan and Neville Cooper, Geographic, asked me to write a short history 'Todge' Terrey, Hilarie Lindsay, Aub Alex Comino, Norman and Diane Pounder, of Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest as a Brewer, M. Boyd, Ted and Lynne Carrol, Margaret White, Pauline Johnstone, John Bicentenary gift from the journal to the William Eason, Ada McKay, Sue Manship, Weston, Graham Brown, Harry and Judy people living in this area. This is a 'potted' Len Melrose, Lyn Emmerson, Marilyn Dunn, Sister Leonie Martin, Michael history for their enjoyment and perhaps for Wilkinson, Joe and Elio Milotic, Helen Geraghty, Sandra Murray, Elwyn Lade, future historians to build on. Assisting me Coleman, Arthur Wakeman (of the Lands Elizabeth Whitehead, Arthur Russell, Elwyn greatly by supplying information, Department), Ross Perry, Nan Bosler, Pam Smith and Peter Nixon. and George Langsford, Ray Bale, Barbara photographs, maps, documents and lots of Last but not least, to my stalwart team of encouragement, I must thank the people of Brown, Pastor B. Wright, Yutaka Akagi, Sue Matthews, Mondy Marvell, Penny Rose, L. Margaret Terry and Lesley Dow, typist and Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest, and in editor respectively, grateful thanks. particular: Johannes, John McCallum, Peter Hart-Brown, Janet and Frank Beckman, Elaine Mullen, Tom and Maisie Birch, Evelyn and Peter Keith and Daphne Joiner, Brenda Williams, Duncan, Audrey Roper, Helen Apitz, John Mary Newlinds, Vince and Davida Duffy, Rose, John Sidoti, David Ryan, Bob Webster,
vi PART I IN THE BEGINNING
1805 George Caley explores area from Pennant Hills to Terrey Hills 1832 Larmer surveys area of Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills 1830s Timbergetters' bullock teams pass through area en route from Pittwater to Fiddens Wharf 1856 First land in area offered for sale 1857 First land grant of 100 acres to Peter Joseph Duffy 1894 Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park gazetted The Geophysical Formation which is still standing. Always interested in Two hundred million years ago, during the flora, faunaand park.lands, which he termed 'the Triassic period, when giant reptiles roamed the lungs of the land', he commenced a campaign to earth and strange plants flourished in the forests, induce the government to set aside the area the Sydney region consisted of a large adjacent to the Hawkesbury River and Cowan sedimentary basin - the sandy deposits Waters as a national park. The then Minister for gradually converting to sandstone and the mud Lands refused, arguing that he considered there to shale. The uplift during the Pliocene era were already enough parks forthe people. created a plateau with dissecting streams often Undeterred, Eccleston invited the Governor 180-200 metres above sea level. This formed of New South Wales, Lord Jersey, to a private what we now know as the Hawkesbury picnic in the beautiful Cowan Creek area where Sandstone area that produced unique species of he indicated the advantages of a national park, flora and fauna, with more varieties than in the not only for the enjoyment of present and future whole of Great Britain. Part of this area, generations, but also forthe preservation of the formingthe northern, western and southern unique species and priceless relics left by the boundaries of Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest nomadic Aborigines. The day was a complete known as Ku-ring-gai Chase. For the success; the Governor, overwhelmed by the preservation of this area as a national park we beauty, peace and solitude of the place, are indebted to Eccleston du Faur. immediately added his ·vote to Eccleston's pleas for preservation. On 14 December 1894 a notice appeared in the Government Gazettereserving 35 800 acres Eccleston du Faur (14 500 hectares) as a National Park to be The du Faur familywere descendants of Count known as Ku-ring-gai Chase, with Eccleston du du Faur of Pibrac, Tourlous, France. Count du Faur serving as Secretary and Managing Trustee Faur was imprisoned in France during the until 1903. French Revolution. Escaping in 1794 he fled to England, where his English mother was living, and remained there. Over fifty years later his grandson, Eccleston, a Cambridge graduate, The Aborigines travelled to Australia. He arrived in Melbourne Eccleston du Faur The Aborigines who hunted and lived around in 1853, working there for some years before (from original painting) the coastal areas of Sydney, like other travelling to New South Wales where he became Aborigines throughout Australia, were divided a surveyor forth e Lands Department. into several groups or tribes. Although largely In 1888, he took up land at Turramurra (now nomadic, they seldom intruded upon the Warrawee) and built a home he named 'Pibrac', territory of others formany reasons, not the 2 least of which was the necessity to preserve the Bennelong, as faras it is known, was the The stone around the high ridges of Terrey ecology and the abundance of fish, shellfish, first Aborigine to have any close association Hills and Duffys Forest was ideal forengraving edible fruit, plants and various animals so that with Europeans, and the hut built for him on the and it was performed with great skill. The there would be sufficient food for all. Aborigines eastern shore of Sydney Cove became the site stylised figures, some over 9 metres tall, often were plentiful around Ku-ring-gai Chase, forthe present Opera House. dominated the art, which was performed by a Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills as is evident The Aborigines who occupied the coastal tribal elder. The outline was scratched on the from the discoveries of rock art - engravings regions from North Sydney to Gosfordare rock, then, with a heavy stone mallet and sharp and hand-stencil paintings - tone groupings thought to have belonged to a number of stone spike, a series of holes about a centimetre and tools left behind for us to wonder at and language or location groups including the or so apart, would be drilled and the stone study. Gradually the Aborigine disappeared Guringai (the derivation of Ku-ring-gai), the between the holes chipped out. There are many from the area, either moving to more secluded Gayimai, the Cameraigal (Cammeray), the such sites in the district, some near the Terrey land or succumbing to diseases such as Walumeda, the Buruburongal and the Dharuk. Hills school and others no longer visible but smallpox during the epidemic of 1789. It is covered with the sands of time to be preserved believed that by the end of the nineteenth forever. West Head has many Aboriginal century there were no Aborigines living a engravings and some, near the roadside and nomadic existence in the area. under the watchfuleyes of the park rangers, are Fortunately, among the European arrivals in allowed to be viewed by the public. New South Wales there were intelligent, The late John Farrar recalled shortly before educated and kindly men who befriended his death how, when stationed as police sergeant members of various tribes and learnt some of at Pymble in the 1920s and 1930s, his friendship their bush lore and customs. Captain Arthur with a Turramurra man, called Robinson, but Phillip, on his arrival in 1788, emphasised this known by the local Aborigines as 'Brin-ga', policy of friendship and ruled that 'under no enabled him to learn a great deal about the circumstances would any harsh measures be Aborigines who roamed around Terrey Hills taken against them (the natives) unless they and Duffys Forest, and about the bora ground, a attempted to burn the corn as this was absolutely collection of ancient stones grouped in order of indispensable to the welfare of the Settlement.' rank within the tribe, each with a totem figure Captain Phillip did not relax his efforts to benefit engraved on it. the Aborigines; in 1792, when Governor, he took with him to England two promising young Aborigines, one of whom was Bennelong who The Explorers 'had become much attached to him'. The other, As far as is known, George Caley, a Yemmerawannie, unfortunatelyd ied of Yorkshireman and the first botanist appointed to pneumonia and is buried in England. the colony (initiated by Sir Joseph Banks) was An Aborigine climbing, traditional style also the first white man to step on to the fringes
3 of what is now Terrey Hills. In 1805 he set out Booralie Road to Ku-ring-gai Chase) pushed from Pennant Hills to explore the northern through forthe public auction. No one was districts. In his Journal of a Journey to the Sea, interested! now in the Mitchell Library, he described how The government, increasingly desperate for he travelled across a valley to a ridge - timber, decided to grant the land to those willing possibly near the present Mona Vale Road - to cut the timber and transport it to Sydney then climbed to a high point, which would have Town. In 1857 the first grantee, Peter Joseph been in the vicinity of Terrey Hills, naming it Duffy, received 100 acres (40.5 hectares). SeaSight Hill' for obvious reasons. On this Twenty-one years later 184 acres (75 hectares) journey, as he approached what we now know were sold to J. Thompson, J.J. Eaton and as Narrabeen, he noticed grass closely related to F. Kirkpatrick, for£1 per acre. In 1883 Peter's sugar cane, which was subsequently used to brother, Patrick Michael Duffy received a grant thatch roofs in Sydney Town. of 40 acres (16 hectares), 'Portion 50 - a branch off Smith's Creek'. The whole area from Cowan Waters to Tumbledown Dick Hill was known as Duffys The Timbergetters Forest until 1894 and the dedication of Ku-ring gai Chase National Park, which formedits three The new settlement of Sydney was desperately Timbergetters With kind permission Heron's new boundaries. In 1934, the eastern portion short of timber so, naturally, the authorities Creek Mills Pty Ltd were delighted when Caley and others reported became known, officially, as Terrey Hills. the existence of forests of giant trees suitable for all types of building. Of particular value were the great turpentines, which resisted wood devouring insects such as the teredo worm, rendering them ideal for wharf and bridge building. The Ku-ring-gai (northern Lane Cove) district was the first to succumb to the sawyer's axe with Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills remaining relatively undisturbed until 1832 when the area was traversed from the 'new' Pitt Water Road (now Mona Vale Road) by surveyor Larmer during his survey of Cowan Waters. In 1856 a large area within the forestw as offered forsale and a track, followingLarmer's path from Pitt Water Road (along what is now Bullock team pulling a load of timber
4 PART II DUFFYS FOREST 1857 Fir t land grant in Duffys Forest - 1943 Some land in Duffys Forest reverts to 100 acres to Peter Joseph Duffy Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park 1878 Thompson, Eaton and Kirkpatrick buy 1942 N.S.W. Gun Club moves to area off 184 acres of land in Duffys Forest Booralie Road 1883 Land grant of 40 acres to Patrick 1956 Seventy 5-acre lots released for Michael Duffy oldier-settlers l 850s- l 907 Population transient - 1963 Fir t shop opens in Duffy Fore t timbergetters and reclu es 1965 Duffys Forest Progress As ociation 1900 Proposal to put railway line through formed area first mooted 1965 Duffys Fore t Volunteer Bu h Fire 1907 Fir t conditional purcha e of land in Brigade formed Duffy Fore t 1967 Electricity come to Duffy Fore t 1907-1930 Population grow lowly - 1967 Waratah Park tarted primary producer running poultr and 1969 Town water piped to area growing flower and egetable 1974 top Duffy Fore t Airport Committee 19 I 7 Pro po aI to ite em ter in area formed 1936 Major bu hfire rage through area 19 8 Council con idering pur ha e of ground 1940 Telephone link to area pr viou 1 occupied by Pon Club with them - living in makeshift huts, some in an inlet known as Sledgehammer because of wattle and daub with stringy-bark and slab of its shape. Duffy's track became Booralie The Temporary roofs, others with sapling and hessian walls Road and the road to the old wharf is now a Residents sealed with manure. All lived under the most fire trail. The remains of an old wooden fence primitive conditions but with plenty of fresh just above the old wharf are believed by some running water from the creeks or springs, and oldtimers to be part of Duffy's boundary, Peter Joseph Duffy (1814-78) was the son of fish or game for the pot. others say it was a fence to keep in the district constable Patrick Duffy who sailed The remains of the old wharf, built on bullocks and horses or the deer, pigs and into Sydney on the ship in 1822, with Eliza an Aboriginal midden, are still there, goats that may have provided 'tucker' for the his wife Bridget (nee Conlon) and their four partly submerged but still visible about one hungry timbergetters, but the late Bill Reely children. Patrick received a grant of 100 acre of Turramurra said, in 1982, it was definitely (40.5 hectares) in the Parramatta-Pennant Hills kilometre up Cowan Creek from Bobbin Head area, a portion of which he cleared and established as an orchard. Peter Joseph, the second son, considered himself an orchardist and is listed, together with his younger brother Patrick Michael, as a signatory of the 1851 fruitgrowers' petition. He was, however. also a sawyer and it was to him, and not as previously thought to his father Patrick, that the 100 acres of what became known as Duffys Forest was granted in 1857. The father, Patrick, had died in 1854 at the age of 68 and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery in North Parramatta. Peter Duffy and his associates, following Larmer's track to Cowan Waters, built a wharf of stone and timber, widened the road and commenced felling the trees. Some were slid down the steep ridges and into the water to be loaded on to the barges, some were hauled down by bullock teams and almost overnight, the gentle forest was a hive of activity. The men did not live there permanently but remained in the bush for months at a time - some took their families Remains of Duffy's Wharf 6 known as 'Corner Post' and part of Oliver As well as the timbergetters and their attempting to escape'. Others included Bourke's fence, used by him in the late families in Duffy's Forest the area also provided recluses such as 'Turramurra Jack', who lived 1800s. Part of this fence was later used by the sanctuary to other , some of whom were 'on in a cave, and men 'on the wallaby', hard up park rangers to enclose grey kangaroos in a the run'. The earliest report, in the 1830s, was and desperate for somewhere to rest tired bid to introduce them into the Chase. Not of a man reputed to have been an bones, who lived in bark humpies or in old indigenous, and used to plains, the rough escaped convict, who was valued for his canvas tents. These people came to the terrain, however, was unsuitable and the died services in the forest as the local cobbler until attention of the authorities when surveys were out. reported and shot by the constabulary 'whilst conducted of the tracks into the forest. 'Man' it is said, 'does not live by bread alone' and the timbergetters spent some of their leisure time, as did earlier sawyer at Fidden Wharf (Killam), gambling. The cock fighters from St. Ives and Pymble pitted their birds against those of the forest. Bare-knuckle and dog fights were also weekly events with hundreds of pounds changing hands. For the thirsty the forest provided all the rum and other spirits they needed, either smuggled in or from the illicit stills scattered around the fast-running creeks. There were wild days; prosecution was nigh on impossible with the activities all held secretly deep in the forest, far away from the nearest little village of St. Ives. Some of the wives and children collected wild flowers, which grew in abundance and were greatly sought after by the Sydney gentry. They were either sold by the roadside or were taken, together with ferns and geebung (used in butchers' shop windows for the flies to rest upon instead of the meat) by horse and dray across in the vehicular ferry to the city market. Another source of revenue was cut firewood and clothes props made from the felled branches and sold in St. Ives for six pence each. Daphne and Keith Joiner admire the flannelflowers, 1987
7 At Duff y's Forest, Terrey Hills The Permanent SCALE 16 Settlers 0
Gradually the illicit population departed and around 1907 some of the land in Duffys Forest and in what later became known as Terrey Hills was offered by the government on conditional purchase, at a rate of £1 per acre per annum with a minimum of 5 acres (2 hectares) for 28 years with the consent of the Minister for Lands. This scheme prevented the purchase of large areas of land by wealthy entrepreneurs, developers and companies. An additional 5 acres could be acquired by special lease from the Lands Department, and, if proven primary production was verified, could be converted to conditional purchase. The conditions prohibited ownership of any other land and required the owner to erect a dwelling within six months and live in it: the conditions were designed to encourage permanent settlement. The population increased because of the availability of cheap land not to be found elsewhere in the Sydney area. By the late 1930s, there were about 40 families in the area of Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills, each with their own farmlet, some running poultry, a few sheep or goats and growing vegetables and flowers - piggeries came later and few Subdivision in Duffys Forest, 1955,· shaded could afford a horse of any sort. Australia areas available for servicemen or ex was in the throes of the Great Depression ,·--.., servicemen only when one-third of the workforce was out of j T R 18971 ! C.ROWN E�" I LANDS 8 A-Z93
, Rwb•q, ""'" ,-, . rn;.:, _,.._,_•"""' q ""� ��.,� ,.,_..u33-1oot- .,1,w,.; /4- work. Duffys Forest and Terrey Hills were no "'i. V:,,.,,_ �..., ,._ Terrey I/ills exception. Most families were impoverished, work non-existent and most of the men were PLAN Of_ PORTION� 92&93 'on relief'. Married men were allotted two Paru;lvof'BrokenB ay Couruy 01 Cunwerlant:;b weeks of work and one off; digging out LAND DISTRICT Of METROPOLITAN. LANDBOARD DISTRICT OF SYDNEY gravel with a pick and shovel on the site of WARRINGAH SHIRE what is now the Terrey Hills recreational r Appluxl lbrwu/,rtfu, 751/t, Sectu>n.o/'tlwCrown/� ums,,luiallon.At 1.913 hy La,� Jfarp� and, 'qr",nan, AIAs,,. • area. The gravel was used for roadbuilding in l� ' "O Por.9,2 SpLs. .33·157.,Pon;n.a.n,'Moss: -Purpose, Ore�" �½blc 9:JN:.9 1
.Aymulh taJom from AY •·!' 9 luld &oJ.·./1 P ('!fes21.'· It is difficult to pinpoint exactly who was settlers. Each farmer placed a crate of eggs tracks or along Duffy's Track (now Booralie the first permanent settler of Duffys Forest, outside the property for the contractor from Road) to Pitt Water Road where Jimmy but most assume it to have been Leonard the Egg Marketing Board to collect, leaving Maunder's bus took them and their Terrey MacPherson Rhodes whose mother was a the empty crate for refilling. Wheat was Hills comrades to the local St. Ives School relation of Patrick Michael Duffy and who subsidised by the government until the late until the Terrey Hills School opened in 1938. lived for a time on the original 40 acres 1940s; when the subsidy was removed the In the 1950s others moved in such as Keith granted to Patrick Duffy by the Crown in price of wheat for feeding the poultry and Daphne Joiner who took up land at 1883. (This land reverted to the Crown in skyrocketed and the number of poultry farms Thuddungra Road and became very involved 1943 for part of Ku-ring-gai Chase.) Len took decreased. with the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and up nearly 16 acres (6.5 hectares) by The school children either walked to other local activities. Enthusiastic bushwalkers conditional purchase in 1937, along Booralie Terrey's Green on the corner of Pymble and they have great empathy with their Road (part of Norman Moss's land and the Pitt Water Roads (now Forest Way and Mona environment. site of what is now the Japanese School) Vale Road), taking short cuts along the dirt Mark and Marie Hill came to Killawarra returning to live there after war service _with Road in 1954; they formed, together with the RAAF. He became very involved Scandinavian friends, a club known as The together with Bob Kerswell, Karl Brown and Valhalla. The club rooms - Nordic style others as a volunteer bush firefighter and at with vaulted ceilings and a large fireplace - the instigation of Karl, a reserve - Rhoker - were built in Eurabba Road. The Danish was set aside on the corner of Booralie and builder, allegedly, used no nails. It still Thuddungra Roads commemorating the names stands, now a private home and considerably of Rhodes and Kerswell for their sterling altered, but its garden must harbour memories work for over twenty years fighting the many of the many wild and wonderful parties that bushfires. No doubt many will remember Bob took place there, to the chagrin of the near Kerswell racing to a bushfire, mounted on his neighbours no doubt. (The Scandinavian motor bike, wet hessian bags, tins of water influence spread with Terrey Hills Soccer and fern branches tucked into the sidecar, his Club, formed in 1973, taking its name - old felt hat, brim upturned, firmly clamped Viking - from the former Viking Soccer on his head. Club of Duffys Forest.) Mark Hill was also a Among the settlers in the 1930s were the member of the 'Sydney Push' and as such Greenwoods, the Pariss family, the was host to streams of visitors providing McClintons, the McMahons and the Partons, bohemian merriment, the noise from which who had the first free-range poultry farm on drifted down into the valleys. the corner of what are now Mallawa and Marie, his wife, remembers the lack of Booralie Roads. Most families had poultry water and the daily collection from a spring farms in the early days - eggs and flowers nearby. She also recalled the local women being the main sources of income for the new Marie Hill, Duffys Forest, 1965 washing their clothes on site and carting
10 water back to boil up in kerosene tins or no electricity or water. By 1967, after the coppers in their backyards. Many, of course, formation of the Progress Association, the had tanks of various descriptions, situated at electricity was on and some of the roads the corners of their houses, some had small sealed. We were all proud of our efforts!' dams and a few had bores but, in times of Maisie and Tom Birch had applied to drought, there was always the spring. Warringah Shire Council to erect the store in Telephones were installed in the area in the 1960 and, after a great deal of red tape over early 1940s but the residents were still a Sunday trading licence and other awaiting electricity - kerosene and restrictions, they were finally allowed to methylated spirit lamps were the order of the operate in 1963. Twenty-five years later day. When the electricity did eventual! arri Maisie recalls, 'We were selling needed items in 1967, Marie remembers the workmen using and, as the area grew, we became busier with the telephone poles for the installation and regular customers. The children were getting charging again for the privilege. Food a few pets so from the Eastwood Co-operative supplies in the early 1960s were obtained Society we obtained horseshoes and so on. from Tom and Maisie Birch's little store on The children would ride on their horses with the corner at 405 Wyong Road. 'The had little saddlebags for their messages. Such a everything but the kitchen sink' Marie Maisie and Tom Birch building the store delight they were. We sold ice creams, lollies remembered, 'and were open from 8 a.m. to and soft drinks too and soon the little store 8 p.m. seven days a week. It was a boon for became known. I was the agent for the water the locals, especially those without transport. [for Warringah Shire] because, as most of us Prior to this (l920s-l 930s) the residents were on tank water, in times of drought it obtained th ir stores either from Grimshaws had to be bought. We all had our little flower on the corner of West Head and Pitt Water beds though, watered with our bath water.' (Mona Val Roads or from Melbourne Hill ' 'The children knew they had to be well Pion r Stor on Pitt Water Road. Later. mannered in the store or I wouldn't serve upplie · w r al bought from Bruce Barrie' them! They called me "Birchie". I have such in T rrey Hills. happy memories of these children. One In l954 Maisie and Tom Birch applied fora Sunday a little one called Shane asked me if I block of Crown land at Wyong Road and built would let him into the store, with his on it a fibro two-bedroomed house. furnishing it Shetland pony, to hide as he had just burnt with a fuel stove. a double bed, an old down his father's office. Seeing the smoke sideboard, two washing tubs and some rising I rang the old RAAF fire siren, which second-hand carpet. Maisie recailed 'It was was just outside the store door. Tom always very cosy and the children cailed it ' Uncle had boxes of nuts, screws and bolts to mend Tom's Cabin". The roads were just tracks; Maisie and Tom Birch's store, Duffys Forest the boys' bikes. Our store was a centre for
11 the children if their parents were delayed for early days. In the 1930s, after a spate of was formed, to fight all the fires in the any reason. They rang me and I collected severe bushfires, particularly the fire of 1936 region: Zone 4 was Duffys Forest. them from the bus until they could be picked that raged across the district from St. Ives to Twenty-three years later, on 16 October· up. We helped each other - you get out of the coast a meeting was called by a resident, 1965, Councillor Frank Beckman officially life what you put into it. The Duffys Forest Keith Biden, to form a fire brigade. In 1942, opened the Duffys Forest Volunteer Bush Fire store was the venue for shooting some of the the Terrey Hills Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade Brigade premises, built by volunteer labour, episodes of The Restless Years, Gone to Ground and other Reg Grundy Productions. ' 'Great consternation was cau ed the day the Japanese School was opened [in I 971] with visiting Japanese royalty, Australian DUFFYS FOREST VOLUNTEER BL'SH PIR&\BRIGADE politicians and other dignitaries travelling along Booralie Road under police escort. An CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND THE OFFICIAL OPENING old truck came hurtling down the road, full of OF THE NEW FIRE STATION, ANEMBO ROAD, DUFFYS FOREST chickens for Mr Parton 's farm. A policeman put up his hand for him to stop. The brakes BY failed and all the chickens were hurtled out CONCILLOR F.M. BECKMAN fluttering around the cavalcade. What made it worse was that the truck driver couldn't stop ON laughing!' SATURDAY uCTOBER 16 1965 AT 2.30 P.M.
ALSO ATTENDING • • , • MR R. 0 0 HEALEY M.L A. FOR WAKEHBRB!l',·:' The Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade MR. M. EVANS, FIRE CONTROL OFFICER, WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES OF BUSH FIRE COMMITTEE AND The isolation, beauty and geographic BUSH FIRE BRIGADES OF WARRINGAH SHIRE situation, however, carried responsibilities. Bushfires of varying size occurred nearly every summer and, although without any firefighting equipment to speak of and little AFTERNOON TEA AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS water, the whole population joined forces to fight them. Wet sacks, pieces of bracken fern and bushes were their only weapons in the Opening of new Fire Station
12 in Anembo Road. The original committee Equipment Officer: A. Vandersee were: First Aid Officer: K. Joiner The Progress Captain: K.M. Joiner Committee Member : T. Birch, J. Arkley, B. No. 1 Deputy Captain: W. Pepper Parsons, D. Joiner Association No. 2 Deputy Captain: A. Sussan No. 3 Deputy Captain: W. Duffys Forest could now look after bushfires The survey conducted by Larmer in 1832 Jones Secretary/Treasurer: A. in its own territory and assist its neighbours. covered Cowan Waters and the western Viney shores of Pittwater, together with the ridges between the two waters. In 1857 after Peter Duffy arrived on the scene, the whole area from Bobbin Head as far east as Tumbledown Duffy's Forest Dick Hill became known as Duffys Forest but Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade by 1933 the population of the eastern part of the area had increased to such an extent that 23rd April, 1964. the residents decided, at the inaugural meeting DEAR RESIDENTS, of their Progress Association in 1934, to rename the area Terrey Hills in honour of the As from the 22nd April, 1964, Duffy'• Forest was two original landowners in their area, Jame officiolly formed into o Brigode, and granted £1,000 for a Terrey and Samuel Hills. Thirty years later
tanker, equipment and station, which will be situated in Duffys Forest caught up. In June 1965, Brian Rhoades, Allan Anembo Road. An extension to the building is required for Cameron, Tom Birch, Allan Viney and storing af extra equipment and workshop, etc. Arthur Lunan decided to call a public meeting It is desirable that all families donate o minimum with a view to the formation of a Progress Association for Duffys Fore t. The historic of £1 to ensure that your brigade is in a financial position. meeting wa held later that month at the Bush Officen will call for your donation on Saturdoy, ...... Fire Brigade headquarters in Anembo Road.
...... , or Sunday, ...... _...... The main points raised in favour of the formation of the new Association were, Formation of Duffys I am sure you will oppron of this action .token by firstly, that Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest Forest Volunteer Bush your Officers, as it will be in the best interest of oll in the should become separate entities and, secondly,
Fire Brigade, 1964 community. that Duffys Forest residents were entitled to K. M. JOINER, plan and map their own area's future. Brigade Captoin. Resident present at the meeting were: 'Phone: 450-1687. R. Rodi, G. Montelione, J.A. Cameron, B.A. Rhoades, M.A. Viney, E.F. Frazer, J.E.J. 13 Frazer, E. Kampgaard, E. Fleetwood, J.H. Patrons: The Hon, R.W. Askin, M.L.A. Mr. W,C. Wentworth, M.H.R. Carr, S. Thompson, T. Birch, K.M. Joiner, A.E. Vandersee, M. Hill, H.F. Connolly, DUFFY'S FOREST NEWS April 1967. A.D.J. Lunan, H.G. Mooney, S.T. Healey, Vol.1,No.2. E. McMahon, B. Lunan, B. Mooney, D. Issued monthly by the Duffy's Forest Progress Association. Joiner, M. Birch. Also present were: L. Martin, B. Brown and PROGRESS NOTES: The monthly meeting took place on 3rd April, 1967, One of the best attendances to date was recorded, and quite B. White of Terrey Hills Progress Association. a few new members were enrolled. One of the inaugural members of the We welcome Mr. & Mrs. Pollifrone, Mr. & Mrs. Aylotts, Mr.& Mrs. Kastel and Mr. & Mrs. Reeves and hope their membership may Association moved that 'all persons present at be beneficial to all. this meeting who are residents or ratepayers BRICKWORKS: A further complaint was lodged concerning mud from upon land held by them in the area known as Brickworks' trucks which is spread on Booralie Road. Unfortunately, residents have no other means of egress and get their cars Duffys Forest, the area defined for Progress encrusted with clay, which proves ver� hard to remove. Further Association matters as land to the west of the strong objections are being made to Council on this sta�e of affairs. western boundary of Kinka Road, to the north WATER SUPPLY: Some misgivings were apparent among members as to whether the pipes supplied and laid by the �ater Board, would be of the northern boundary of Booralie Road large enough to give an adequate supply to Duffy's Forest in the between Kinka Road and Kulgoa Crescent and future. It was decided to write to the Hon. R.W. Askin, M.L.A., Premier, to see if any further advice was forthcoming on the bounded by Ku-ring-gai Chase, upon adequacy of the Board's present pipes (two 4" mains which will end and join at Kinka and Booralie Roads) to supply the residents of completion of the application for membership this area in the future, and later, in the expected event of for the purpose of this meeting be classed as subdivision and a considerably larger population. It was decided to ask the Board through the Premier for an assurance that the financial members of this Association with pipes, as laid, will be sufficient to satisfy our future needs. full voting powers.' It has been pointed out since the meeting that the pumping station, which will be built at Terrey Hills, should enable us to The first elected committee comprised: get sufficient water. This m�y be the answer to the problem. President: E.F. Frazer ROADWORKS: We desire to thank Council for its prompt action in clearing the corners of Joalah and Thuddungra Roads and Joalah and Senior Vice President: H. Mooney Booralie Roads. It proves that action by the residents through Vice President: J.A. Cameron the Progress Association is given due consideration by our governing bodies. Vice President: J. Frazer STREET LIGHTING: Seventeen lights will be provided in Joalah, Secretary: B. Rhoades Thuddungra and IVyong Roads in the near future. Treasurer: M.A. Viney TELEPHONE SERVICE: The P.M.G. has begun a thorough investigation 'Duffys Forest News', Publicity Officer: J. Frazer of complaints lodged by various residents through the Progress Association. An improvement in service is anticipated. April 1967 Roadworks Committee: A. Lunan, J.A. Cameron, M. Connolly FROM THE TREASURER: Duffy's Forest Progress Association is a live and active one, however, to advance both financially and actively Delegates to Warringah Federal and A Riding we need the support of the people. Subscriptions $1.00 per family are now due and may be paid to the Treasurer.Mr. Healy, the Conference: H. Mooney, B. Rhoades President, Mr. Cameron, or the Publicity Officer Mrs. Birch. Social Committee: B. Mooney (Secretary),
14 H.F. Connolly, E. McMahon, B. Lunan and gymkhanas to raise money for the Club and M. Birch to carry its own insurance. Patrons: The Hon. R. W. Askin, MLA, In October 1977 they were accepted, and Premier of NSW, Mr W.C. Wentworth, the first official meeting was held at the MHR, Councillor F. Beckman Terrey Hills Community Centre in 1978, chaired by Ian Dewhurst. The uniform chosen The motions were passed and the boundaries was chocolate brown shirt and cap with a of Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest recognised white tie and fawn jodhpurs. by those present. The J.J. Melbourne Hills Reserve in Terrey Hills was officially opened on 21 February 1988 with a gymkhana - the facilities to be shared by the equestrian Development fraternity, archers and BMX club members. The Council is considering the purchase of There were many attempts to use the land the present grounds off Booralie Road commercially; caravan parks, fitness clubs Pony Club member occupied by the Pony Club. and others were turned away because of the The N. S.W. Gun Club was founded in the lack of facilities and the constant fear of 1880s after many discussions in Tattersalls in pollution (all the creeks are now, Langsford were stalwarts for its inception, Sydney, between Club members Faithful (then unfortunately, polluted, as is Cowan Waters). but, as with most of the achievements and a director of the Bank of New South Wales), A nudist camp was established in the early advancements of this brave little community, 1960s, north-east of the present Japanese its formation was not achieved without strife School; surrounded by a high fence, it and effort. Pam arranged for a petition for remained for some years. There are now land signed by the members to be given to riding schools and horse-boarding the W arringah Shire Council by local establishments. John Pennell, an experienced councillor Frank Beckman. In the interim horseman has the pound and kennels, both Alan Flenton offered his land for the monthly breeding and boarding. riding meets while the late Jack Goulding The Forest Hills Pony Club was suggested the name Forest Hills Pony Club. established in 1978 and has its little club At the public meeting in 1977, all had their room on the equestrian reserve near the fingers crossed that the parent body - the N.S.W. Gun Club. This room was the N.S.W. Pony Club Association - would original library building, used for a time by accept them into the fold and also as a the Red Cross then eventually transported to subdivision called the Forest Hills Equestrian its present site by the Council. The Pony Association. This acceptance would enable the Pony Club room, formerly used by Terrey Club now has 60 members. Pam and George group to have fundraising activities such as Hills Children's Library and the Red Cross
15 Mr. Skelton stated: "At livery service. rather than there was not a Post the present time a letter have a Post Office estab Office estab l i s h e d at delivery service is pro- lished". Duffy's Forest that name On Duffy's vid� to the area under a could not be regarded as Move Mr. Skelton went on: a postal address in its ��c1al arrangement _as a "In regard to the estab- ral Letter Dehvery own right. Iishment of a new postal Service'. district, it might be men- He added: "In the Forest Post Office "The establishment of a tioned that delivery areas meantime, however, there Post Office at this stage derive their name from is no object-ion to the The Director of Posts and Telegraphs, o! development will affect. the Post Office performing residents including the tr.ose residents living the delivery service. locality _name of 'Duffy's Mr. T. H. Skelton, has replied to Mr. W. C. within three-quarters of a Forest· in their postal ad •·rt is• no t prac t·ica 1 · in dress, providing it is fol Wentworth, M.H.R., who made representa mile from the suggested all cases to wholly relate Post Office site · lowed by the name of the tions on behalf of the Duffy's Forest Pro postal deliveries to defined delivery office - 'Terrey gress Association regarding the establish "The effect on these areas because of location Hills'." persons during this 'in- of Post Offices. topog_ra Mr. Skelton also said ment of a Post Office and_ the creation of between' period of devel- phical features and other that the matter� raised a new postal district at Duffy's Forest. opment will be to lose factors. would b-e reviewed from their delivery service aud "Tho� D epartment is timP- to time in the light make it necessary for therefore obliged to ar of further local develop them to call at the Post range the postal areas in ment. Office. such a manner as will permit the best use of New District staff and at the same time "As future development ensure that an efficient takes place the position oelivery service is pro would change and the vided. stag·e reached where a "\Vith regard to the �ouse-to-ho1:1se letter de- area defined as 'Duff.y's �1 vei_-y service could· be Forest' delivery services .1ustified. are provided from Terrey "In the meantime. how- Hills". . e.,•er. it f.s ·thoug-ht that l the residents would prefer ocahty Name to retain thP- existing de- M r. Skelton said that as
Duffys Forest Post Office- not yet! Reprinted with kind permission of the Manly Daily
16 Lucas Tooth (of brewery fame) and other train, which travels through the bushland friends. It was 'live-bird' shooting in those brushed by wild flowers, tea tree, bush days with unfortunate birds specially bred for orchids and other exotic flora as it winds the purpose. The N.S.W. Gun Club started through the bush in the shadows of the huge Star ffleets-�VIP's off in Balmain and became the oldest sandstone boulders above Cowan Waters and established Club in Australia, and the first to Bobbin Head - the scene used as a backdrop have a liquor warrant. After some time the for the 91 episodes of Skippy. Club moved to Mascot and, in 1940, 50 acres After completion of the filming of the first (20 hectares) of bushland - part of the land Australian series to have international fame formerly owned by J. Thompson, J. Eaton (with most of the episodes translated into and F. Kirkpatrick - was bought off Booralie thirteen languages) the directors realised that Road. The Club removed to this site in 1942 Waratah Park was a going concern. Not only where it has remained ever since. The shoots did they have a small private zoo as well as a occur each Wednesday and Saturday with 'Rangers' Headquarters' - built as a film John Phillipson as the current President. maker's dream with mobile walls and At the end of Namba Road is Waratah windows - a kiosk, cages and dens for the Park - the brainchild of John McCallum and his associates of Fauna Productions - developed to provide an authentic location for the television series Skippy, the Bush Kangaroo. They obtained 'permissive occupancy' from the government of 37 acres (15 hectares) of natural bushland overlooking Cowan Waters in March 1967. The shooting of the first episode commenced in May coinciding with a deluge of rain that churned up the track (now Namba Road). The episode required the services of a Rolls Royce but the owner of the vehicle refused to allow it to be used over the dreadful terrain. The film crew spent many hours on road maintenance and, although still barely navigable, a Fauna The star of Skippy meets VIPS Reprinted with Productions associate came to the rescue, kind permission of Pacific Times, 1967 lending his Mercedes and the show went on. John McCallum also recalled the mammoth task by Mr Dunlop in the building of the little Penny Rose of Forest Native Nursery, 1988
17 animals but also the little train and its station, o they decided to seek permission to open it to the public and run it as a business, while using the helicopter hangar and other props for films. Permission was granted, and Fauna Productions ran Waratah Park for eight years /4)1.. -. / before selling to N. Hogan formerly of �eh.�� /4- Mf" �� � Queensland. He and his partner, Ross Perry, ,.,,R� still run the Park today. �� of,� Just up the road from Waratah Park is the tf�,(_' IO · � �� ��I. /C, Sydney Wildflower Nursery started in 1975 by Penny and John Rose who purchased the 5 /0;� - r� u, t,.,� c>-c� �'e,,t--;-. --/v.t.___..-. acres (2 hectares) of land in 1973. The site, although cleared, supported a large number of � �� ' t; -t� �,t_ �- � scribbly gums and geebungs, providing an -e-� fw· � �-,. �-, 'd- ,if,-,,. uf ideal setting for their wildflower nursery. rom experts in -�, .... : After much help and advice f ---��- the field, John and Penny have built up a J-
�c(_ .. � /�d£eL , ' grandiose idea to link up with the main t)'-a.,'.i:7 � Newcastle railway line, through Duffys Forest '---.--h�e � /c.v,,._cLfy � and across Cowan Waters to connect with the -a (aj� � proposed offshoot railway link from Gordon 'i /�. � r � � station down to the coast. Evidence of these Cv>-a.d plans were recently noticed by Keith and � ----� 1� �- lr-:·,�- Daphne Joiner when they stumbled upon some ..l .«<,_i-
19 1 ANALYSIS OF Dun•y $ F'OHEJT/'1'.ElUlJ::Y HILLS :,L'r£llri:,i'IV.t .PUNNING ST&,TEGIES (Decembe r 75)
The report contains the record of all major submissions sent to the Planning & Enviroru:ient Commission earlier this year following an exhibition of Survey Data and Anal)rsis in February 1975 at Warringah Shire Council. The Planning Committee has suggested various alternatives for the subdivision of the non-urban lands of Terrey Hills/Duffy's Forest when water and sewerage become available and the transportation problems of North ·,iarringah have been solved. In the meantime the report states that the main aim of the study is to decide whether or not an airfield is to be sited on Portion 428 of Crown Land in the heart of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The main thrust of the report is towards protection of the National Park by carefully planned development, if any, on the slopes bordering the present study area of Duffy's Forest/Terrey Hills. The 99 acres of Crown lands wanted for the airport development is described as being of scientific value and worthy of preservation as a unique plant community. The Planning Committee suggests that unless an airport is sited there the land would be added to the National Park which surrounds it on three sides. The report suggests that noise pollution from weekend flying over the Park would have a deleterious effect on the peaceful atmosphere that now exists. It is also suggested that there is room on the proposed site for two more runways. The otate Pollution Control Commission in its submission considers the proposed airport would be both major and controversial in terms of ttie Government's Environmental Impact Policy. If� decision is made to site the airport at Duffy's Forest, it appears that the S,P.C.c. would insist on an Environmental Impact Statement and an in-depth study of alternative sites. The report also states that it is up to the proponents to prove that the 'Airpark' is of the highest priority in the State or regional interest and whether it could operate within the objectives considered appropriate for the area. While the report gives great encouragement to those who have opposed the proposa� for so long, it is apparent that the proponents have strong support in the tl.::J.,i. Parliamentary Liberal Party. It is clear to the Committee to Stop Duffy's Forest Airport that we need support in order to achieve our main aim which is the preservation of the 99 acres of Crown Land by its inclusion in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. M. Newl4.nds December, 1975
Analysis of Alternative Planning Strategies by Aerodrome site conflicts, 1975 By courtesy of Mary Newlinds, 1975 NSW Planning and Environment Commission
20 precision and care. Jn June 1974 they wrote species include scribbly gum, stringy-bark, community, as it is today. Of particular to the Commonwealth Government department turpentine, black ash, bloodwood, peppermint interest was the statement: 'It is importannt responsible for the environment for financial and Sydney gum. The scrub plants include that the minimum size of rural holdings be assistance to carry out a study of the impact waratah, banksia, boronia, dillwynia, sufficient to maintain the character and the of the proposed airport on the local hibbertia, goodenia, bossiaea, black boys, sense and environmental quality of the area'. environment 'with particular regard to the mountain devils, Christmas bush, heath, Although water was available after 1968, it future use of the Duffys Forest and Terrey geebung, hopbush, sun orchids and eggs-and was anticipated that 'provision for sewerage Hills Peninsula which juts into the Ku-ring-gai bacon. The anti-airport lobby group was along the rocky ridge tops throughout the Chase National Park off Mona Vale Road'. successful and the residents of Duffys Forest broken topography of the area would be both The Department agreed and allocated $1500 were able to rest and enjoy their chosen difficult and costly'. to the committee to 'evaluate the strategic location once more. Duffys Forest is still rural/residential on plan for the future utilization of non-urban The thorn in their side - the brick pits - allotments of around two hectares with some land in Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest and, were, however, successful in their bid to substantial dwellings reflecting the shift away in particular, to assess the alternative plans occupy the 67 hectares of land originally from the former rural activities such as goat, and prepare an impact study of any airfield owned by Eaton, Kirkpatrick and Thompson. sheep, pig and poultry farms, kennels and proposal'. A daunting task! The high-firing white clay found in this area riding schools. There is a growing interest In May 1974 a selected consulting firm was the sole source within 150 kilometres of and awareness of the unique and beautiful completed the job and came up with some Sydney and the cream burning material and environment, and a feeling of remoteness astounding facts. It appeared, according to low-grade refractory clay was used in the about the place. Although the original botanists M. D. Burchett and C. Pettigrew, manufacture of heat-resistant china and pioneers have long since gone, there still that the portion required by the airfield in the stoneware. exists a community spirit. The inhabitants, Duffys Forest area is of 'particular ecological In 1971 the population of Duffys Forest some of whom are retired, enjoy the serenity interest' since the proportion and distribution was 338 and when the 'Alternative Planning of the relative isolation and regard 'progress' of species in the Wahroonga soils (a special Strategy - Duffys Forest/Terrey Hills' was with suspicion. and rare soil classification) are characteristic brought out by the State planning authority in only of this soil type. The dominant tree 1974 it was of great significance to the local
21
The Terrey Family
In the 1830s what is now Terrey Hills was small cottage near what became known as James (Snr) had allowed a Chinese market just a high ridge of bush through which the Terrey's Point (now Cottage Point). garden to be established there. The Chinese timbergetters drove their bullock teams In 1883, 640 acres (259 hectares) he also erected a small hut and lived there for some pulling enormous logs along the timbergetters' owned in conjunction with Philip Spiers - years before being defeated by the white clay, track from Pittwater to the Pitt Water (Mona the land running south and north of what is shale deposits and lack of water. Their hut, Vale) Road. They followed it through now the junction between Mona Vale Road situated between two trees, was used by northern Lane Cove (now St. Ives and and Forest Way - was sold to his son James (Jnr) and, formerly, by Obadiah for Pymble) along the ridges of Lane Cove Road Obadiah. Nine years later Obadiah died overnight stays before proceeding to their (Pacific Highway) and down to Joseph intestate, of suspected appendicitis, and the holiday cottage on the Point. Terrey's Green Fidden's Wharf on the Lane Cove River land reverted back to his father who passed it was not, as falsely believed, an Aboriginal (West Killara). Joseph Fidden had two on to another son also called James. bora ground. sawpits and several timber barges and boats In 1884, James Terrey (Snr) 'removed to Terrey's Point was what James termed his for transporting the timber to Sydney Town. Bondi and purchased the property known as 'watering hole' and a favourite holiday James Terrey arid his brother William, "Mamhead" where he now resides'. This, location and anchorage for his descendants. sons of a woolsorter of Kingston, Yorkshire, however, did not deter him from keeping an The estate was eventually taken over by Ku sailed to Australia on the Sir Edward Paget in eye on his various holdings. ring-gai Chase, the cottage long since gone. 1842. They were assisted immigrants brought Frequently he drove up in his pony and The only member of the Terrey family ever out to work for Thomas Gore & Sons of trap from Waverley to his properties, staying to be in permanent residence in what is now 'Artarmon', Gore Hill. In the Centennial at one of these - 'Rosedale' - between what Terrey Hills is Arthur ('Todge') Terrey and History of N.S. W. James is listed as is now Roseville and Lindfield, before his family. In the 1950s 'Todge' purchased, establishing a wholesale grocery business in proceeding along the Lane Cove track (now from the Terrey estate, 5 acres (2 hectares) 1848. This grew to become the largest in the Pacific Highway), up Stony Creek Road on Mona Vale Road opposite the offices of colony. (Mona Vale Road, south of Telegraph Road) Dick Smith's Australian Geographic and About the same time he purchased 100 to his Pymble/St. Ives orchard then along the overlooking Belrose. He is Chairman of the acres (40.5 hectares) at Lane Cove (Pymble) Pitt Water Road (Mona Vale Road, north of Advisory Committee to the National Parks clearing it in his spare time. (Ninety acres (36 Telegraph Road) to Terrey's Green (or and Wildlife Service, which took over from hectares) of this was purchased by the Pymble Terrey's Paddock). This was situated at the the Trustees of Ku-ring-gai Chase. Golf Club in 1924 when the Golf Club was corner of Pymble and Pitt Water Roads (now Big changes are about to take place at formed.) In November 1879 he purchased, for Mona Vale Road and Forest Way) and was Terrey's Green, which may considerably alter £ 100, another 100 acres between Coal and his holding paddock for sheep to rest before the rural atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Candle Creek and Smith's Creek, building a being taken to the abattoirs at Manly. Earlier, Fifty-two hectares encompassing and including
24 I' the Green were rezoned in February 1988 by the then Minister for Planning and the 66 � Environment, Bob Carr, to pave the way for
Samuel Blllt I ,,.....,:� a multi-million dollar commercial park 'Ou11�ad'-i-,:��- I development by Dainford Ltd - the biggest in the history of Warringah Shire - with an additional 44 hectares of Crown land to be developed into a private golf course. Further east of Forest Way, 920 hectares are to become a National Park.
Terrey-Spiers subdivision, 1883, Pitt Water Road (now Mona Vale Road) formed the northern boundary; Madang track (now Aumuna Road S. where the telephone exchange is) formed the eastern and southern boundaries; part of the track became Pymble Road, then Forest Way, the western boundary, taking in Terrey 's Green and holding paddock on the north-west corner of the map. SYON(Y
25 The Hills Family
Samuel Hills, son of Benjamin and Ann Hills, was born on 10 February 1839. In 1852, aged 13, Samuel left his home to travel to Leeds --I and Manchester for '2 years' trial and 3 years' bound', apprenticed to L. S. Knight Hardwaresman. At the end of his apprenticeship in 1857, he travelled out with his brother John, on the ship Hope to South Australia. It is believed that he was a commercial traveller for Knight for a short period while in South Australia. In 1862 he married and some years later journeyed on to Sydney via Melbourne. While
... . __.;-. ...-� .. ,�--· .....:.··:�;-:. Q:.·. S Samuel Hills, 1912 26 Hills subdivision in Melbourne their third child - Joseph John replied emphatically, 'I had enough of Terrey Melbourne - was born in 1867 and, on HiJls when I was a child.' arriving in Sydney, their fifth child - Joseph John Melbourne Hills, Samuel's Edward Sydney Smyth - was born in 1871. eldest son, was one of the first fern and At this time, Samuel, still a commercial wildflower distributors in the area traveller and, it is believed, working for commencing in 1907 when he purchased Sayer Allport, acquired about 650 acres railway reserve land on conditional purchase. (263 hectare ) of l::ind adjoining what became He gathered the flowers and ferns from the Terrey's land to the south and running north bush and took them in a horse and cart - almost to Tumbledown Dick Hill. Samuel sometimes he walked - down the track to built a shack (in what is now the centre of Milsons Point and over in the punt to the J .J. HiII s Memorial Reserve), which he Queen Victoria building since the Haymarket named ·Mount Pleasant Estate'. was not yet in existence. His grandson, Harold, born in 1910, the On the ground floor of the building, son of Samuel's eighth child, recalled together with orchardists and other vendors from St. Ives and elsewhere, he sold his ferns recenty that Samuel built his house with an J. J. Melbourne Hill's home, Pitt Water and flowers for twopence and threepence a thing he could find - opened-out hessian Road, c.1890 corn bag dipped in cement and supported by bunch. He later hired a truck from Bill sapling formed the walls, which were Walker of St. Ives each Thursday for sometimes coated with mutton fat to £ 1 1 0s 0d and sold his flowers and ferns from waterproof them so that, from a distance, the back of the truck. He and his brother they resembled white stone. In 1878 Samuel Edward Sydney then took up 10 acres (4 installed his wife and eight children in the hectares) each of leased Crown land (on the shack while he continued to roam the Terrey Hills side of Mona Vale Road) countryside as a commercial traveller. With opposite their father's property and each new addition to the family a new 'room' commenced flower growing commerciaJJy. was added and soon there were 'room ' on Sydney later sold 5 of his 10 acres to a Mr either side of the Pitt Water track. When Glascock of Lane Cove and 2 ½ acres to a Samuel returned from his travel , he would friend, Harry Beecher Smith. Melbourne's gallop along the track and, when nearing the son, Melbourne Samuel, carried on the shack, pulled up and produced a bugle, which business with his brother Cecil. The Pioneer he blew to announce his arrival. Store run by the Hills on the premises was 'Mount Pleasant Estate' was eventually commenced in the early 1920s, Melbourne sold by Samuel to Allport. After the sale, Mr delivering the groceries later in his old truck. Allport asked the eldest child, Adelaide, if J. J. Melbourne Hills with his wife, Elizabeth (The store closed in 1982 with the widening she would like a block. 'No thank you', she Mary, 1920 of Mona Vale Road.) 27 Melbourne Samuel recalled, shortly before here. Our original house [on Mona Vale Road his death in 1983, his life in Terrey Hill . ·1 between Aumuna and Cooyong RoadsJ was went to the little school in Frenchs For est l in pul1ed down in the 1940 and, because of a 1923 J where Mr Ryan managed to cope problem with rates, 284 acres [115 hectares remarkably well with six different classes in and now the J .J. Melbourne Hills Memorial the one room. My sisters and brothers went Reserve] was resumed by the Council.' to the St. Ives School and were collectcd 'We have six people employed here full by Jimmy Maunder in his bus. Jimmy also time now and my brother Cecil works with me brought us our mail and so on; "Doughy" -the rates are getting higher each year Duckworth brought our bread each Monday, and I guess one of these days we shall all transported by his horse and cart. We were have to make way for development as they the only ones on this side of the road fior call it.' five years, and until the arrival of cars in In 1985 1. 5 hectares of the Hills' property any sort of number, after the War, we were was sold to the Gale family, but professional completely isolated. Horses and cart were the flower growing still continues on the order of the day up to the late 19 30s. The remaining land. arrival of the railway to Pymble made a great difference to my parents' lives and the car to ours. I remember the building of the new . St. Ives Showground and the army camp there and when the dirt road out here was replaced Advertisement from 'Progress Association News' by the macadam variety. Most of our groceries we bought from Choi Y ok, the Chinese grocer in the markets. We had Chinese market gardens at one stage at Terrey's Green but they left, mainly because of the water shortage and the soil. Our dam in the valley, about a quarter of a mile away, fed from a spring, kept us in water. The Brown family had 100 acres [40.5 hectares] leased to Chinese who tried to dry their fruit Members of Hills family, gathering wild but it was too humid and they left also. In flowers, 1934 about 1934 there was an influx of Italian Margaret and Ces Hills, 1986 market gardeners who, of course, are still 28 Dick Smith in 1984 and is now the site of the specially trained teachers and some volunteers Early Settlers offices of Australian Geographic. (Within this to educate young people against drug taking.) complex is a modern building funded by Dick Joe Waldon, son of Edgar, took up over 4 The Waldon Family Smith in which he allows the Terrey Hills acres (1.6 hectares) by conditional purchase Life Education Centre - the brainchild of the on the corner of Aumuna and Myoora Roads The Waldon family features extensively Reverend Ted Noffs - to operate with ��1 1939 to grow flowers and vegetables. His within the Terrey Hills-Duffys Forest area. _ Edgar Waldon & Sons had a large sawmill on Pitt Water Road (between what are now Aumuna and Myoora Roads - Lot 24 on the __.,;,--- C.P. .J.�. ,s map). The sawmill converted timber, mainly 2uc . ..Jr. .33 . blackbutt trees, from 640 acres (260 hectares) ;, of Crown land leased in Duffys Forest, into _'] small logs for the bakers' ovens all over the G7 Manly-Warringah area. In the 1930s the sawmill was burnt down during a bushfire the sawdust continuing to smoulder for years. . 4-d. fr. ZJ.p. --:--- Names such as Tredill ('paid five shilling per ton'), Melo, Zerrovitch, Kazanagra Cucuk Cooper and Twaddell all appear on the sawmill ledgers, but mo t of the timber wa cut by the Waldon clan. All the Waldon males were excellent axemen, competing ·- successfully in woodchopping competition . · ·A�u,red for roodpu� '. at the Royal Easter Show. W,Hlm IUl;6J. A block of land adjacent to the sawmill Nol-'! Z0.4-41 site was subsequently owned by Minnie Madeline Healy nee Waldon, Edgar's OF youngest daughter. She and her husband J 1,:rr';!J et P. .Sp1��. Herbert ran Tallangatta Nursery (now Palm -� : ' :r;.�- ·-· Land) there for many years. Her oldest Comput-ed· a�as.' sister Nelly had 5 acres (2 hectares) on a 1-l,r. 24 ... 2•2t83ac._ 6 4 O c.1c: •-4!x. rd. neighbouring block where her husband John Por.103... 2·2:JS:J�: ,.- Thomas Porman ran poultry and grew citrus NARRABEEN and stone-fruit trees from 1938. This block -��,,... ,,.� ,,. I,:, r. /'.-..>If, A G was sold by their daughter Betty Whitelaw to Subdivision of Waldon land, 1946 29 little house, featuring a sandstone chimney, The Brown Family still stands and is now the home of the Elaine Mullin, daughter of the late Karl and Bradstreet family. Joe Waldon and his Fay Brown, recalled recently their first nephew Brian White were prominent in the journey in 1932 from their home at Lane Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. Cove to seek land for a poultry farm in Members of the Waldon family still live in Terrey Hills, including Mondy Marvell, Terrey Hills. 'We travelled up the old Pitt daughter of Minnie Healy who runs a Water Road, through St. Ives, jolting along in wholesale nursery with her husband on Mona our T-model Ford, stopping firstly at Steve Vale Road. Traveller's little stone cottage, which he built on the corner of Myoora and Pitt Water (Mona Vale) Roads. He lived with his mother and together they sold boiling water - threepence for a billy-full - and cut firewood. The cottage, had it not been demolished, would have been the oldest house Steve Traveller outside his stone house, 1940s in Terrey Hills. I remember how surprising it was to meet such well-educated people living which was taken up by a stonecutter, then it in such isolation.' reverted back to the Crown. Another block of 'Further along Myoora Road we met Mr 8 ½ acres [3. 5 hectares] - Lot 96 along and Mrs Taylor whom my father had come to Duffy' s Track [between Cowrang Avenue and see. Mrs Taylor offered us the most delicious Booralie Road] - looked more promising so pasties - I can still taste them! We took up we took it up by conditional purchase in 1934 Lot 59 next to the Taylors for a short time, and commenced to build the family house, building a humpy in the current design with this time in fibrocement. Cypress trees corn-bag walls around stringy-bark poles with planted around the perimeter of the orchard to an old rusty iron roof. Each weekend my protect it from the weather are still growing father and I came up to our wilderness - along Booralie Road. Nerang and Cowrang how I loved it - and cleared the block of A venues formed the other boundaries. In scrub. We built our house completely out of 1958 my father gave 2½ acres [I hectare] of galvanised iron with spaces cut for doors and his estate to my husband Vic and me and, windows. The leftover pieces we hinged for after his death in 1981, my brother Brian shutters for the windows, and propped them inherited the two front blocks, my sister open.' Sheila [Morrison] the house and block and my 'The block, however, was hopeless - too other brother Barrie received the remaining Joe and Herbert Waldon, c. 1929 rocky - so we decided to drop the lease, block. Brian, a builder and developer, built 30 about six inches from the edge of the road. days, plus any container hastily filled with Realising the implications of an accident and water at the local spring or dam en route to also the expense of updating he decided to the fire. Karl Brown held various offices in sell. Royle Bros (now Forest Lines) the bus the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, was one of company of Willoughby purchased the bus in the founders of the Progress Association and 1941.' Secretary for about 40 years, worked with the Karl Brown was one of the instigators, in Parents' and Citizens' Association and for the 1942, for the formation of the Terrey Hills Library for about 17 years - learning the Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. In two disused Dewey Decimal Classification System and galvanised tanks upturned on his property, he teaching others. He catalogued over 2000 housed the small amount of equipment, which non-fiction books held in the Library. was all the would-be firefighters had in those Through his membership of the Progress Parman 's home, the walls made of cement and lime-washed corn bags, 1937 'The Pines' retirement units with the understanding that, on completion, ongoing care would be received from the Terrey Hills Nursing Home adjacent, built in 1966. In order to preserve the beauty of the area and the trees my father subdivided the remainder of his land into large blocks. A lighting engineer and timber salesman he drove his car to work each morning, giving friends lifts to the station in the early days [1930s-1940s]. Cars were scarce and public transport non existent so when he • retired he decided to buy an old bus - the first 'public' transport to and from Terrey Hills. I recall the shock he suffered one day when a tyre blew when en route to Pymble Station, the bus stopped Karl Brown's bus 31 tolerance of snakes and spiders, realising that WARRINGAH SHIRE COUNCIL these are the natural predators or prey, of other species and initiating the protection of wild flowers andna tive shrubs. A modest man he ought no honour for himself but was behind the naming of the Rhoker Reserve in Duffys Forest after his two friends and colleagues, Len Rhodes and Bob Kerswell. He IN APPRECIATION OF SERVICES RENDERED diedin 1981, aged 89. The Council of the SHIRE OF WARRINGAII on behalf of the citizens of His daughter, Elaine Mullin and her the area hereby certifies that the thirtyeight (38) years of faith husband Victor now live in Bulara Street ful service rendered to the co1T1T1unity by KARL BROWN have been Duffys Forest. In 1960 they became involved acknowledged and recognised by the presentation of this Certificate in real estate, later establishing, in partnership at an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. with Bruce Barrie, Terrey Hills Real Estate. BASIS OF AWARD Like her father, Elaine has been, and still is, Service as Foundation Member of Terrey Hills Progress Association, very involved in community affairs. Among Terrey Hills Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and local Parents' and other activitiese she has been involved in the Citizens' Associations and for service given as Librarian and running of the Library, the Community Centre Secretary of the Terrey Hills Library. and the Progress Association, and her sister The Council and the COITITlunity express their appreciation of the years of faithful and unselfish service rendered to the people Sheila started the first Cub pack in Terrey of Warringah Shire. Hills in 1940. Karl Brown, c.1980 The COMMON SEAL of the COUNCIL OF THE SHIRE OF WARRINGAH was hereunto affixed in pursuance Association he mitiated a request to the of a resolution passed by the Warringah Shire Council for a tree Council dated the fourth day preservation order; this was approved and is of March, One thousand nine now invoked throughout the Shire. He hundred and seventyfour. approved of the idea of architect Robin Boyd ················ ...... for underground electricity mains and, to ��(R. J. O. egg) demonstrate the courage of his convictions, he SHIRE PRESIDENT organised the installation (at his own personal cost) of underground power to his property, .... � (R. M. Stuckey) the first in the Shire. He was also ahead of SHIRE CLERK his time with regard to ecology, rightly Karl, grandson of Karl Brown, on track that Certificate to Karl Brown from Warringah believing in the balance of nature, advocating is now Jamberoo Avenue, 1964 Shire, 1974 32 The Barrie (Williams) Family JOSfPH FIDDEN mar,.,td l3·4·1807 MARY CLARK(E) alro known as WEBB ( 17s7- 1as6) al St. John's Church, ( 1764 · 1660) Arrived m Sydney on conv,ct ship A rriYtd in Sydney on 'F'arramalta ALEXANDER, 1806 Brenda Estelle Barrie was born in Glenmore convict ship fARL OF Road, Paddington in 1911. She left school at COANWALLIS, 1801 14 having won a scholarship to Stott and i I I Hoare's Business College. She later became SARAH marmd 4·8 · 1823 at CHARLES PINKSTONE JAMES MARIA others deceased private secretary to the manager of an import b. 1806 St. Philip's Church, York. convict, b. 1797, arrived in b 1808 b. 1820 Slrtet, Sydnty Sydney al/e, 2.4 grs, From export company, an Italian, who introduced r, rerlon, fn'llond.. her to the joys of opera and theatre, to the 1111 I ,,,. 1111 ' Dante Alighieri Society and to many MARY A. FRANCIS SARAH JOSEPH married.. 2·2·1859 JANf RIDDELL b. 11·12·1832 b 3 7 1838 interesting people. In 1931 she married a CHARLES FRrDERICK SARAH d. 23 4 1917 d 2:'1·9·1 I, 27 7 fb7& offered us a job as "married couple" to help JOSEPH a. 24111�6'J d 8 6 lf/4.7 POSE EVA on their sheep station at Moree. After 18 FR£DEPICK A T u months another job offer came from the /... I LD SYD E Queensland government to help eradicate prickly pear from thousands of acres (this q f £ H 8 tJCE was before the Cactus blasti days� which wiped it out). We refused this because, in l933, we heard about the cheap .special leases of Crown land available in Terrey Hills. ' u, O ATHA We took up 5 acres [2 hectares], which ?3 ZIPPOP mamtd IC ft mart�d was the only S acres surveyed at that time l')M 11 IZ 1937 [on the western comer of Myoora and Booralie £ Roads]. I remember chugging along the old O"G Pitt Water track as it was called then - full I i I ICOLhA KARU MARISSA of potholes. We were in our T-model utility, I I b. t-1 1962 Zf AK which we had purchased for £7, spending our CA I A S l SI 0 mamtd last 10 shillings on food before we left. ,n GtrllW.D I I I ARK Charles had bought a burnt-out building from BRE DA ATTHf GRA SfAr CATHER! f fl Waterloo which had been a soap factory, dismantled it and re-erected it on our new Fidden-Williams family tree, 1807-1988 33 property. The timber was so hard he had to 'The poverty in those days was unbe bore holes for every nail. There were 2 ½ lievable. Few could afford to fence their I,. 17. rooms with openings for windows, a lean-to blocks, most lived in humpies made of kitchen with a little wood-burning stove and slender saplings, opened-out corn sacks for / old galvanised iron on the roof. All our walls, sewn together and dipped in cement. savings had gone so we sought State aid of Some families lined the insides with thinner 4s 6d each week, which came in the form of food coupons.' ... I beg to inform you that 1 t has been approved to gr�t you o Special Leap.e.. ip eo.t1a- Land i!..1 et /Ii tact1on of your a{)plication quoted ln the mai-g1n, -;./x!1. i;;;E?Pg;rl,;. . , Sp.�,..,...!.,,,(.. Lease App. .f. /'l.13, No. 1.1 /-'. ff-,. Di . . . � l'PJ f}.. . ;,, . - Purpose.� 'JI· �/ft,./. t'tterm er th; Lease to be from ArSa (about) acres -IJI'!?'l to d d d SPECIAL LEASES Williams family - Charles, Brenda and s n n 1 Barrie - c.1934 S n �e7ial Leases of vacant Crown Lan s may be grante by the H1.n1 ter � . for any p�rio not exceeding 28 years dfor (a) wharves and. J ett1e , ( b) m1scel la eous purposes, i cluding grazing agriculture and _bu!ine�s purposO?s up to 1920acres; or < > tra n I sacks upon which colourful pages of <:- �way or irrigation purposes, not exceeding 3n chains in width n without a y limit in length. Application must be made on form J 3ti.and lodged with the Crown Land Agent in the istrict in 1� which magazines were pasted to look like the land is situated and must be accompanied by a deposit of .tl and full amount . or one-tenth of the surveyn fee. The nrent is determined nby the Local La d Board and is Payable a nually in wallpaper.' adv �n7e. . Other co ditions, as specifiedn in the Gazette Nc:,ti�1cat1on of the approval of the lease, including fencing 'Our water supply came from a spring w1.th1n 12 months must be fulfilled. The Lessee is required 1 to dams d n hold and use the land bone fide in his ow interest a d � may not tra sfer n opposite, a cupful at a time, but it always .except by the way of morgage or release of ,• morgagen or. otherwise . dual writteng conse t. r TheS holdert' of a special Lease within !:"�i;��!�i��the Eastern or Central Oivicion granted for the flowed. Mr Mashman and Mr Fogarty had a pu po e of access to water,agricultu � � . .re,bee and poutry farming �a1:y1.n� , , rai age ,garden C vegetable or nursery) Grazin& 1rr1gat10,:i orchard, pig tiny hut near it for many years, which they a d pou!t>Y farming, r-e&idence sugar--n o' n •J used as a weekender. The spring is still there. �: �o������• �f��� Hr�i=�:; i��� = ������i:�!1 Purcha�e Lease ,Conditional Purchase,conditional J�ease, Ho11eatead Select ...., �on, Settlement Lease or home_stead farm. (f'orm 100 provisional We had mail deliveries once a week brought deposit ;(3, the actual cost of dealing with the applicatio being payable by applica t). Williams 's home - before and after out from St. Ives, together with our meat and Brenda Williams 's special lease document, renovations bread. Except for meat, we were relatively 1933 34 self-sufficient with a cow for milk, vegetables 6. A:ml1oatl�n for "1ne iwd Sp11·1t UQenoo: staff at "Inala", letting my home here [in and, later, fruit. Our first neighbours were the 1a•. l�rswull int1w.C.tt.od that no, ot;:tat:i.ono ,1oro 1n Terrey Hills], and worked there for 10 years. Orams - Mr Oram was a retired British truln £01• thu ohtu,.11it1U oi' u i1lne� n11d Spirit'a licenco uy the proaon.t Bto:rohold-,rs, Uoas:rn� It was a wonderful experience - one I shall officer from the Indian Army.' l:)allttntyno llllU UJC,8 o.nd po:rnibly by 11 !l"08POOt1ve never forget - and it helped me tremendously rusldent who rtou11•o 35 worked at Thorpe's market garden in St. Ives, site of the Gift shop]. Ste ward the butcher, together with Mel Hills. After war service, in who built at the same time as Bruee, was 1946, he worked for a time in Everest' s separated from Bruce's store by a passageway (formerly Grimshaw's) store on the corner of -the site of the present State Bank.' West Head and Pitt Water Roads. Then, in · Part of my land fronting on to Booralie 1947, he built his own little store on my land, Road was purchasedd by Toohey and, when on the corner of Myoora and Booralie Roads. the people found out they were trying to get a When he moved across the street to the site, lease for a hotel in 1973, it was fortunately which is now the newsagent, he commenced to blocked. It would have ruined the area and added considerably to the traffic.' build the new store of brick . A terrific southerly buster arrived and blew them all to 'I remember in the early days, our the ground. With the help of all his friends, groceries were delivered each Saturday by the bricks were cleaned and the rebuilding Mr Adams of Gordon, in his van. He called, eventually completed.' delivered, had a cup of tea and took our order 'Mrs Tyson took over Bruce's original for the following week. We enjoyed meeting little store for a draper's shop until he too someone fr om the outside world.' moved, across to what was a house [now the Brenda Williams is the great-great-grand Grantley Duncan, c.1889 daughter of Joseph Fidden of Fiddens Wharf fame. She is a highly respected member of Phone, JX 3288 the Terrey Hills community and resides in ,,,,,_J._J:-_1- 19511 MTH.N.$\. Booralie Road. In Account with (C E. L. STEWARD . , The Duncan Family FAMILY BUTCHER PITIWATER ROAD, ST. IVES As you drive north along Mona Vale Road past Cooyong Road the area to the left (to Currong Crescent) was the site of the former home, beautiful garden and private zoo of a remarkable couple, Grantley and Ruby Duncan. They purchased 3 ½ acres (1.5 hectares) by conditional purchase in 1936 and another 3 1/2 acres, also by conditional purchase, in 1943. Grantley Aubrey Duncan was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, in 1884 and Steward invoice, 1954 educated in Sydney, later winning the medal Ruby Duncan, c.1937 36 for mathematics from Stott & Hoare' s The aviary was built to house these beautiful minds not our bodies. Science has given us Business College. He then took a job as an birds in as near to their natural environment our freedom to take part and we'11 keep going accountant with an importing firm. It was as possible. The fruit trees specially grown to until men sit with women by their sides for here that he met Ruby Shelley-Jones, daughter supplement the birds' diet may still be found everything. That is their proper place.' Ruby of an Irishman William Arthur Jones and his in the gardens of some of the homes had 'green fingers', loved gardening and was wife Lucy (nee Shelley, great-grand-daughter subsequently built on this land. With an early conservationist planting hundreds of of the poet) of Echuca, Victoria. Ruby was subdivision and closer settlement, the animals trees under which she loved to sit, 'drawing one of the first typists in Australia. They and birds were becoming disturbed and in energy and peace, deep breathing and gaining married in 1908. 1973 the Duncan's zoo was established near strength from the chlorophyll of the trees'. Soon after, Grantley entered the timber Coffs Harbour and the animals and birds Soon after the Housewives' Association business, trading as G.A. Duncan, Agent for transferred. Grantley Duncan died the same was formed in 1917 Ruby joined, soon to hewn, sawn and log timber (later becoming year, aged 89. become Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. G.A. Duncan Pty Ltd, Timber Merchants). A It is difficult to summarise Ruby Duncan's She was a member of the successful polio victim at an early age, Grantley was life. She was involved in so many activities deputation to the then Police Commissioner always deeply interested in the study and within the community and beyond. Her wings (Mr Childs) for more policewomen - at the keeping of unusual birds and animals, and the spread far and wide into the realms of time there were only two. She was Honorary cultivating of rare species of plants and women's and children's activities and a Secretary of the Women's Country Club of flowers. After building their home - entirely concern for the status of women. Ruby was N.S. W., which assisted such societies as the of timber to blend into the background of born in 1882 and was a feminist all her life. Bush Nursing Association, the Limbless native trees and exotic shrubs - he and Ruby Even as a child she felt there were injustices Soldiers, the Rachel Forster Hospital, the built greenhouses for precious plants and, in meted out to women but, at the same time, Gore Hill Orphanage, and was instrumental, particular, bromeliads (they formed the she believed women should make themselves during the Depression, in organising the Bromeliad Society later, in 1963). attractive, take care of their menfolk, learn to collection and distribution of clothes to Grantley was also a member of the Royal cook and run a home efficiently. When her distressed people living in 'Happy Valley' on Zoological Society so part of the large garden sons - Leonard Albury, Robert Grantley and the outskirts of Sydney. was converted into a private B Class zoo with Frederick - were in their late teens she told In 1929 Ruby founded the Girls' fallow deer, emus, kangaroos, goats, them never to put anything before their wives Progressive Club, which lasted about twenty wallabies, guinea pigs, peacocks, pheasants - not business nor money - nothing should years with her as Director, President and and more. On a lovely large pond swam be more important than their wives, then they 'Club Mother' throughout its life. The several species of duck as well as black would have happy marriages. Her advice to activities of the Club included lectures on swans; wandering about were guinea fowl and her daughters, Molly and Audrey, was to home management, economy, cookery, brush turkey which were wonderful watch extend their knowledge of the world and to dressmaking, first aid, health and hygiene; dogs. The zoo was open to casual visitors and understand the great power of women. 'Our travel talks with pictures and visits to places to the public for charitable events. Grantley brains are machines and we are captains of of interest within the city and in the country. was also an aviculturist and known to have those machines' she once said, 'they must be There were dances and physical culture the finest collection of rare birds in Australia. fed ideas. We rise to the heights by our classes as well as talks on various subjects. 37 Productio• U•it 116 NUlllr nun. ,10111,. HUMAMS1 "U.CUII0," ITJNH , HO .. I 1 8 05 36 9th April, 1952. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Mrs. L. M. Rhodes, PARLIAMENT HOUSE THE PARLIAMENT or THE COMMONWEALTH. Secretary SYDNEY Terrey Rills Women's Assn., Booralie Road, 7th May, 1951. TERREY HILLS yta CHATswooo. 56 Lauderdale Ave cue, fAIBLIGIIT• Dear Madam: 7th April, 1952• Mr. Davey has asked me to thank you for your letter of the 2nd April, and for the very kind invitation it contained. Due to a recent inaugurated regular series �f interstate Mrs. 'J. Rhod�s, trips, Mr. Davey's commitments are such that it will be !ion. Secretary, impossible for him to consider any additional engagements Terey Hills \Vomen•s Assoclation, for some very considerable time to come, more especially !"ooralie Rd., Dear Mrs. Rhodes, as on the Monday following y�ur Emnire night celebration, 'I'ERREY nif,f,S. he is required to be in Melbourne, and it is his practice I am looking forward to being present with to leave Sydney on the Thursday or Friday morning prior to you on &npire Night and I am enclosing e small any interstate appearance. Dear lur s . Rhodes, donation which I have no doubt you will be ab le to use for the evening. He has, however, asked me to wish your c·elebrati,n every The Chief Secretary has advised possible s�ccess. me that approval i1as been given to the registration With all good wi ehes, under the pro·1lsions of the Charitable Collections Yours faithfully, Act of your -'lssooiation and I have much pleasure in JACK DAVEY PRODUCTION UNIT nol'f forwarding hereV1ith the Certificate of Registration, I take the opportunity of wishing your Association all success and hope that you will not hesitate to get in touch with me if it is felt at any (\'/.C.WEN'II\ORTH) tlme that I can be of some assistance. w. Watson nr. Clive Evatt, the Chief SecretQJ)y, Manager for Jack Davey has Rlso asked me to convey to the members his best wishes for future progress and success, Mrs. L. M, Rhodes, Booralie Road, Terrey Hills, via CHATSl'/OQD. I A DIVISION 0 F THE MAC,ARIE BROADCASTING SERVICE Letters concerning fundraising activities of Terrey Hills Women's Association 38 The Club was of great benefit to hundreds of Terrey Hills. Some of the women lived there TERREY HILLS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION girls. for many years. Objecl; Tr.rrey Hill, Community Centrr. About the same time another organisation Ruby Duncan was a member of the Terrey was formed under the patronage of Lady Hills Progress Association and established a IIINUl'P.S OF INAUGURAL MEETING HELD 3 pm. on 31/7/50, at the Game known as the Standing Committee for Terrey Hills branch of the Country Women's �eeidence of MRS. DUNCAN . the Eradication of Maternal and Infant Association. When the Library was built, Mortality. Ruby Duncan became vitally Grantley donated the timber for the floor and ,ATTENDANCii: : Meedamee Ballantyne, Bock?llan, Bla!{e, Booth, N.Cooke, interested in this project too and joined the R.Co0�0, Duncan, Garvin, Bow�t, Yead, Snr., Meacl, Jnr., Newland, Sainebury, end Wise. Committee together with other prominent APOLOGIES Rhodee women to demand an inquiry into the high rate of infant and maternal mortality. This led BUSUE3S A re�olution waa pasaed that an ftuxilary of Ladies be formed for t"le purpose of rateiht to better training for nurses and doctors, with funds in atd of the Terrey Hil.e Co=unity greater supervision of private maternity homes Citntre, and that such Auxtler:, be na,ned th, TERREY !!_LL MUtlITY CENTRE LADIES AUXILARY. and the extension of pre-natal clinics _ ��� throughout the land. Ruby was also a member Resolved slao th"-t :ne'!lbership be li11it.ec' to fi!'teen (15). of the Women's Pioneer Society, formed in 1929, the Australian Federation of Women llovod Dunc ..n : Sec. Mead, Jnr., Voters and worked for the establishment of The followir.g officerg were :luly elect,ocl the Children's Court. She was also very ?reeidont : Howat. Nominated by Duncan/ Ballantyne Vice Proa. llead.Snr., Wise / Newland aware of the effect violent films had on the Secretary Rhoeee Booth/ Wise minds of children and pressed for greater Tr1111aurer N .Coo!co Duncan/ !dead Jnr., Socid control and censorship. Organiser Booth DuncJtn/ Ne.,,land As a member of the Feminist Club of P_::icing Ballantyno & !deacl, .Jnr., N.S.W. for 27 years she was quoted as Buyers Newland & Moad,Snr., saying: 'The word "feminist"doesn 't mean The Duncan home (still standing today) The Preeidont ann Secretary wers instructed to "militant" but feminism in its true sense draft Constitution and present s""" at next proclaims that humanity is dual, that the life a set of encyclopaedias. He also donated meitting, which will b• held at th, re£1denco of of the future belongs equally to men and tallow wood for the Community Hall, the Mre. Newland, 2 pm, 2lat AuguBt. '50, women'. Soon after taking up residence in largest dance floor in the Shire of Warringah Terrey Hills, Ruby Duncan, concerned about at the time. To assist in the building of the �. the destitute women in the city, developed a Hall, Ruby organised a group of 15 women Chair-iroman, 21/8/'50. plan for housing them on leased Crown land from the Terrey Hills Women's Association adjacent to the Duncan's property, in old to form the Terrey Hills Community Centre converted buses -owners of private bus Auxiliary. The inaugural meeting was held at runs readily donated their old buses, which the Duncan's home in July 1950. Janet Ruby shifted at her own expense to the land in Beckman was an original member and 39 WARNING. Tbt. Is not ·nlld �• • Licence to HU �LI' l4 ·5/4 Tobacco, 04:'an a.nd Cl&arettes Unless the VI,,, tmprint or the Cash Reaister appean SYDNEY FLOUR PTY. LTD. :: :Em borton. MANU,-ACTUAt:A• 0,- ' If payment 11 made by cht(IUt, tb1s SYDNEY ucr """"'"o FLOUR. ,u.tollt...... C:Atl.lll TCL .. -"HOl'fC MW t••I receipt Is fuued subject only to cheque .,. was•• oo account of wbJcb it ts (1nn th•beinl duJy ·ei.ocKHo,,s• SYDNEY WHOCO WHUT BLOKS MW·••> Account.ant 1 cleattd. fl"'O,'.OWAV OLI.■• + 20/6/52. FACTORIES AND SHOPS ACT, 1912-1946. PART VI-DIVISION 4. Mrs, L, M, Rhodes Booralie Road, Licence to Sell Tobacco, Cigars and Cigarettes. 5/- TERREY HILLS, N,S.W, Subject to the imprint or the Cuh Register Appearinr 11.bo,-e, the undcrmcn11ont'd 111 11rf't'h� Dear Madam, licenaed to ae.11 Tob:icco, Cirara and Cignrettu until the date indicated hcrcund,r, ond at the addreu In reply to your letter of 15 inst. re your cooking abown below. . Competitions. Yee,we do have many many requests of this nature, for many different causes. We wish to advise that we think it a good idea to have your local members wife to judge the competition for you. TERRRY Hills Womens Ass ooietion, Unfortunately we are not in the rosition to spare one of our LI0llNOE IN F0ROII UNTIL:- representatives to judge these functions, ae there are so msny Terrey Hille Community Centre, at so many different places, that we just could not do it...... ,-or·atr"'Rtll:lffl' .,, The only condition we make is that each entry is Boore lie Rood, TERREY HILL�. 1 st Se1,>tember, 19 55, accompanied by the empty Sydney Flour Carton, Wishing your Fete every success. 1JEPA.JITMUf o, LuiouR Alf!> !NDUIITRT !ND Soout. WELnu, Yours faithfully, M l!.un• PLAo•, b. WITHERIFF, !lox 21, O.P.O., StoNn, Under �tary, SYDNEY FLOUR PTY LTD., Per .. ,/, � ✓-4� .. E. I.I. Huxl� y LEGISLATIVE ASSEM8L Y OF NEW SOUTH WALES PARLIAMENT HOUSE SYDNEY STATION 2GB PTY. LTD. 21st March, 1952, • MACQUARIE IUILDING TILKIVIMS� fOX 4lN. C.PO l�I 'HILU, ST SYDNEY ,. TW0al SYDNEY Krs. L.1/, Rhodes, 23rd tieptelllber, 1�53. noor,.lle Hood, i'l.RR'-..J!'__f!JL� 'lie Mrs. L.M. Rhodes, ..: r:i-:ntswood Booralia Road, Letters concerningfundraising activities of TERREY HILLS. Dear Madam, '!'hank you for your letter of the 18th 1nstent 111-.ritin.; uo to the ft..nction to be held on the Terrey Hills Women's Association 24th May. Your request for announcements in "Notice board" Sessions will be happily met with, and we will Both Mrs. Askin end myself ere very have pleasure in telling listeners of the 0ance glaC: to aoc:ept the invitation end will be looking forward being organised for the 26th instant on behalf of keenly to the occasion. the Terrey Hi.Lls Women's Association. .-ie trust this publicity will be helpful in making it a succ• ss. With best wishes, Yours faithfully,l Yours sincerely, :&ROADCASTIJ;G STA' ivN 2GB PTY. LTJ..l. --- :/-� 'l:: ,L Fletcher Service Managet remembered recently that 'it was known throughout the district as the '' Snob Association" and folded as soon as the Hall was built'. The Auxiliary raised more than £1000 towards the building of the Hall, which was to be on part of the 14 acres Uust under 6 hectares) provided by the Lands Department between Beltana and Yulong Avenues for recreational purposes. The land was former! Lots 73, 74, and 421, part of which was the Warringah Shire quarry previously a work site for relief workers. Ruby was loved and respected throughout Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest, not only for her generosity with her hospitality and help for the many worthy causes within the district, but also for her warmth and vivid personality, r her concern for the enrichment of life Bert Curry (fourth f om left) with friends (from left) Janet Beckman, Glenys Holder, especially for the young. She made visits to Elaine Mullen, May Hardie, Bert Scrivenor, Karl Brown and Helen Coleman the local school, for which she had campaigned incessantly, to teach manners to 1934 and taking up on conditional purchase as well as other interesting pursuits. A the children and to encourage their 11 acres (4.5 hectares) of land - Lot 53, mainstay in the formation and running of the appreciation of music. Other causes for which situated between Laitoki Road and the Library, he was also Treasurer and non she worked were to provide free milk for Williams' property (Jin chilla Road), facing fiction purchasing officer; it is said that he schoolchildren, lavatories for women in the Booralie Road and opposite the present never lost one book. He also kept an eye on city and there were possibly more. One of her Nursing Home. They were deeply involved the bush garden planted around the Library, hobbies was to 'read' noses, which she said with community affairs, particularly in watering it twice daily during hot weather. revealed all. children's activities, forming the nucleus of Bert Curry was one of Terrey Hills 'out She died in Armidale, in February 1981, one the Parents' and Citizens' Association and standing persons' whose efforts in improving month before her ninety-ninth birthday. often lending their home as the venue for the amenities of the area were recognised in meetings and parties to raise money. Bert 1974 by Warringah Shire Council who Curry believed in involving the children in awarded him a Certificate for Outstanding The Curry Family the outside world, and often travelled into the Service. His colleagues included Bob A.B. (Bert) Curry, a former bank manager city to research projects, returning with Kerswell, Len Rhodes, Helen Coleman, Janet and his wife Jessie were one of the early information that he handed over to the school. and Frank Beckman, Fay and Karl Brown and families to settle in Terrey Hills, arriving in He taught the children kite-making and -flying, their daughter Elaine, and May Hardie. 41 purpose of keeping up constant pressure on the Education Department. The Progress CONSTITUTION •. ND RUL. land on the northern outskirts of Terrey Hills Association. The Shire then decided to levy a 4. �- to the east.) deposit for would-be users. In 1949 some Th@ ,\saoo1at1on sht1ll b<.I sntirely non-pnrttsnn ond non-1Jot.11ri11n. The first office bearers of the Progress residents were connected, buying and erecting 5. IC,;,ll�RSHIP, Association, finally formed in 1934, were: their own poles; those with telephone poles, J.Df l'\.sident or rntt. paY(,r of 18 yonrs of ogtJ ond o-.vr shall bo llligtbl" for mGmbolrsh1p on b01ng proposed and Kerswell, Porman, Tiley, Temple, Sandoz, which had been erected three years seoond�d nt n monthly meottng or tbl. Aasociatton and aoat.ptod by a majority ot mt.mbi..trs pr...s�nt nt auoh mol,t1ng. R€1a1dc,nts Waldon, Rhoades and Williams with previously, used them, if large enough, for o•er 1r, .and undc,r 18 yGl'ra of agt. may bv 000(.iptc.,d ns Junior JissoctRtus And eball l>.. aubj1..ct to thtt rul6a nnd rt..gulot1ona or thu .Ji.1noc1at1on, With the c..xoc.ption or p1Jymcnt or Annuel Committee members Auld, Baldry, Brown, both purposes. toGs ond th1.. right to votG. Curry, Fogarty, Grimshaw and Taylor. Town water was another issue high on the 6. SUllSC�IPTI(lNS. Tho ltlimbc,.rship to... shl'\ll b<. d�cid�d upon at the 11o-.cmbt.ir Another reason for the formation of the agenda. In times of drought, those residents M.uuting for the tollo-.ing rtn"nctol yc.ar, orovtdtng thot tt no lfoi.tting of tht.. ..asoc1nt1on is bCJld during Novomht.r-, ttw Progress Association was to give weight to a not near a natural spring relied entirely on dllctsion sht1ll bO mado :i.t th'- tirst Mo1.tting or the. 1.a:■001,-tton suggestion for a school in Terrey Hills, and tank water and were obliged to purchase it, bald l\ft... r NovombOr. an application was made to the Department of forcing some families to reduce their normal Education forthwith. A Parents' and Citizens' weekly consumption from 500 to 200 gallons Constitution and rules of the Terrey Hills Association was also formed in 1936 for the (2275 to 910 litres). Water used for bathing Progress Association, 1934 42 LCOlSL.ATI\IC ASSEMBLY or Nf:W SOUTH WALCS was recycled to keep alive special vegetables population now about 1500, the position was LEA.OCR 0,. TMC OPPOSITION or to flush out septic tanks (some residents, SYDNEY desperate. Deputations once again were sent of course still had the 'nightman' calling). - this time to Premier Askin - to raise the 16tb Marcb, 1965. On 14 November 1945, Bert Curry moved issue as a matter of urgency. The last that 'we remind Council of this district's deputation, headed by Councillor G.B.H. urgent need for a water supply'. A week later Jones, Frank Beckman and others brought Mr. L.T. Martin, a deputation from the Water Board made a some action. In September 1966 the Terrey Hon. Secretary, Terrey Hilla Progre•• Aaeociation, tour of Frenchs Forest and Terrey Hills to Hills Progress Association wrote to the 15 Yulonaa Avenue, TBRRl!Y HILLS. meet residents. A report written at the time Council commending its action in requesting stated: 'It was impossible at such short notice the Water Board to supply a temporary pump Dear Mr. Martin, to arrange a public meeting but with Mr at a cost of £3500 to enable water to be Receipt i• actnowledaed ot your telear•• ot today'• date reading a• tollowa: Kerswell's and Mr Curry's help it was supplied by May 1967 as far east as Kinka "Tl!RRl!Y HILLS PROGRBSS ASSOCIATION SBBIS possible to contact most of the primary Road. The majority of Duffys Forest residents YOUR SUPPORT AT PUBLIC MBBTINO FRIDAY MARCH 26TH RB BXTBNSION OP CITY WATBR TO producers. Mr and Mrs Duncan kindly lent were connected in 1969. THIS ARl!A ALL TANIS DRY NO WATBR AT SCHOOL 310 CHILDREN APPROXIMATl!LY 1300 BLOCIS IN their home for the meeting.' INTBNSI! DROUGHT CONDITION MATTBR VBRY UROl!NT POPULATION 1750." In 1949 the government asked residents to submit estimates of use. A list was drawn up: I wieb eo■eoae bad told ■e before the aeetiaa date wae tixed tor Marcb �6tb •• I would particularly lit• to coma alona to eucb an important meetina attectioa tbe whole di•trict. fowls - 5500 gallons per week per 1000 However, I have already co-itted •Y••lt to attend head (including cultivation of green crop a function to rai•• tunda tor the St. John A�bulaoce and to be iD the otticial party with tbe Governor ot N.S.W. lo patch); the circumatancea it ia not poaaible tor •• to cbana• th••• arrana•••nta. pigs - 35 gallons per pig per week; orchards Kevertbele••• your Aaaociation can count on •Y - 100 gallons per tree per week (in etrona aupport tor any helpful deciaiona arrived at on the ni&bt in queation. It you let •• know 1-•diately dry seasons only); atter tb• •••tin& I will a•t buay to try to have •o�e action taken. cows - 140 gallons per cow per week; market Meanwhile I a� aakina a further approach to the garden - 7000 gallons per week per water Board poiatiaa out the aeriouaoaaa ot the poaition and aakin& tor pro•pt and ayapathetic conaideration to the water prob1•• ot Terrey Hi1la. acre; I will lee you bave advice •• aoon ae I bav• residents (domestic use only) - 100 000 •o•etbina to report. gallons per year. Youra eincerely, The district was divided into sections and each member of the Committee agreed to contact R.W. ASUN. his or her allotted section. In 1966, the residents were still agitating Letter from Premier, 1965 and, after disastrous bushfires and with the 43 The Schools Terrey Hills Public School The story of the first school in Terrey Hills is interesting, as the late Karl Brown observed, because it did not follow the usual pattern. Repeated applications were made to the Terrey Hills Primary School Department of Education both from the Cooyong Road, Terrey Hills, NSW 2084 Parents' and Citizens' Association and the Primary Dept: 450.1612 Infants' Dept: 450.1360 Progress Association but the matter was Box 260, P.O., TERREY HILLS. 2084 always 'under consideration'. By 1937 there were 64 children of school age, enough to support a school with two teachers. The final straw came when Jimmy Maunder's bus, which took them to the St. Terrey Hills Public School, 1938 Ives school, was withdrawn for repair and replaced by an old lorry fitted with form and rough planks, a dangerous conveyance even for adults and certainly for little children. Some of the mothers, fearful of the method of transport, 'dinked' their children to school at St. Ives and back again, on their husbands' bikes. In November 1937, the majority of mothers rebelled and is ued an ultimatum to the Minister of Education (Mr Drummond) stating that the children would remain at home until action was taken to provide a much-needed school. The Press were alerted and many letters sent to the Minister until, eventually, a school inspector was sent to attend a public meeting. Karl Brown wrote Terrey Hills Public School, about the meeting: 1957 'After some discussion the inspector informed the members that they were beaten before they started because a great 44 number of residents had signed a counter The Terrey Hills Public School was, in the school was 'opened' by the Honourable petition. It appeared that a small section of fact, never officially opened. The Honourable P.C. Spender with the words: 'I have pleasure the community, which made use of the P.C. (later Sir Percy) Spender was invited to in being present on the occasion of the opening children's bus for carrying parcels, wished perform th duty on Saturday 30 July, 1938. of the Terrey Hills Public School'. (Fifty years to retain the convenience and feared the During the proceedings, he pointed out that, a later on 28 July 1988, his son, the Honourable loss of transport facilities that might result a Federal Minister, he had no jurisdiction but John Spender was guest of honour at the from a local school, as there was no store with no other appropriate per on present celebrations for the school, presenting the no telephone and no Post Office.' school with a new flag.) 'A new building at St. Ives school had The 8 ½ acres (3. 5 hectares) of land in rendered unnecessary a portable building Cooyong Road, acquired for the school, was there and Mr Arthur Curry offered to previously owned by the Johnsons, a Swedish transport it free to Terrey Hills. The couple who lived in a corrugated iron hut members of the Progress Association erected for their weekend visits. This hut later agreed to erect it under the supervision of became the shelter shed for the children. fellow-member Mr Glascock, a building Opposite the site, the Thorpes had a large pig contractor. During the "strike" period farm. On 26 June 1940 the land (already which was enjoyed immensely by the occupied as such) was dedicated as a school children, Mrs Brown [his wife Fay], site. Characteristic of the community, an army Secretary of the Association, former of volunteers spent months cleaning up the headmistress in England and schoolteacher area, eradicating the unwanted scrub around in Australia, was reported in the Daily the great banksias, grevilleas, hakeas, heaths, Telegraph of 9 November 1937 as saying: tea-trees and other natives including some "We are determined to hold out until 'beautiful scribbly gums and Sydney red gums. something definite is decided. Our children (Behind the school is a reserve in which has will not lose anything by it, I am going to been found a very rare species of Grevillea see that my son does his lessons as usual caleyi authenticated by the National Parks and and I will help any other children who care Wildlife Service.) At the same time, they to come to my home.'' cleaned up nests of funnel web and redback 'Much credit for the eventual consent of spiders, bulldog and hopper ants not to the Minister must be given to the late A.E. mention the odd black or brown snake. Some Reid, MLA, who was indefatigable in planting of new shrubs went on as well to pressing the case for the school (he was create attractive school grounds. On Saturday disappointed at not having the honour of 22 November 1947, the cricket pitch was put opening it).' Mrs Ada McKay (Principal) with School down, also by voluntary labour, and on Anzac (Extract from the writings of the late Captains, Rodney McKenzie and Alison Day, 24 April 1948, the Australian W.K. Brown) Noble, 1978 45 flag was run up the recently purchased had some trouble inducing teachers to travel first excursion. They travelled by bus to flagpole at the commencement of the school to the outpost - the children too were Vaucluse House. 'On arrival the children sports. different. In the early days, when the teacher raced out of the bus in all directions, one boy When Mrs Ada McKay became arrived by bus, sometimes as late as 10 a.m., scaling over a wall, which had jagged glass Headmistress in 1969 she remembered feeling the children enjoyed the free hour on top of it. He arrived back bleeding, with some trepidation at being posted 'to the enormou ly. cuts all over his legs. Before I could say sticks'. Terrey Hills was still considered a Mrs McKay recalled an incident that anyt.hing he said ''This is how I did it, Miss'' remote area and the Education Department occurred when she took the class for their and rushed off and repeated the performance. It was almost at that moment I realised that these children were country children, not wild or delinquent but high spirited, natural and adventurous, needing their excess energy channelled into learning.' 'I called my staff together and we discussed a different approach. We "flogged" reading and spelling. They became interested and proud of their achievements, and of course the parents were behind us all the way. We tried, however, to maintain the atmosphere of a country school. I taught in the little yellow classroom with the verandah. The storeroom was in the roof of this building and I shall never forget the day of the inspector's visit. As we talked, a small leg appeared through the manhole in the ceiling. I had forgotten that one of the boys was sorting out some equipment. The school had its own bore - very good drinkable water too - but as the pump broke down regularly the children automatically brought a Terrey Hills Public School group, 4 July, 1947. Front row (left to right): bottle of water to school each day. ' Brian Boddy, Lew Parrott, Max Johnson, Joe Stanton, Joe Brady, George 'We had a few house rules - the tunnel Robb; Second row: Barbara Thompson, Jill Major, Jan Murray, Pat web drill, for instance. If anyone was bitten Brady, Pat Dobson, Joan Boddy; Third row: (unknown), Barry Waltisbutil, they were to send for help and someone was f (unknown), Bill Robb, Bill Stanton, (unknown), Al Waltisbutil; Back row: to remain with the victim, this applied to Mick Williams, (unknown), Gordon Curry, Kevin Thompson, Leon Waldon. snakebites as well. I remember Maria Rodi 46 was bitten by a snake and taken to Mona Vale Hospital very efficiently. Trees too were respected, for most of the time. I would not allow indiscriminate culling for any reason. The birds were protected, especially the magpies at nesting time. They swooped and attacked the boys but all were told not to harm them. One boy, however, disobeyed the rule, attacking his would-be assailant with a stick and breaking its wing. The culprit was threatened with expulsion but a compromise was achieved with the boy made responsible for the welfare of the magpie. He dug up worms forit each morning and generally looked after it, and was rewarded by its presence in the school grounds for many Terrey Hills Public School, Kindergarten Class, 1964 years.' 'When the Japanese School opened in 1971, in Booralie Road, I thought it was a good idea, both to be neighbourly and also to Terrey Hills Public School group, 1955. Front row (left to right): Jim Stanton, Reg Thompson, Ron Bale, (unknown), L. Tesoriero; Second row: includes Lorraine Tarry, Jeanette?, Marilyn Wise, Lorraine Price, Joyce Bale, Pat Hagney, others unknown; Third row: (unknown), Jan Shinfield, Nancy Hume, June Dickens, Carol Boyd, Ingrid Dezenderla, Pam Frost, Dorothy Waldon, Gloria Watts, Marie Hagney; Back row: Barry Parsons, Gordon Frankel, John Dickens, Phillip Powell, David Wise, Robert Dobson, Roy Dicks, Neville Boyd, Clem Thompson, Mr Tumpane (Principal) 47 broaden the horizons of my children at Terrey Hills School, to arrange inter-school visits and inter-school staffvisits. We all became good friends and I can still remember how the Japanese staff and students enjoyed our damper and golden syrup.' From the 1958 A most popular and progressive head Clarion, mistress, Mrs McKay will be remembered (with kind permission) by her many friends and ex-pupils in Terrey Hills. She now lives in retirement at her home in Chatsw ood. The former principals of Terrey Hills Public School are: J.A. Shaw 1938-41 J. Berrell 1941-49 Thomas Kane/S. Bisley 1950 J. Hourigan 1951-54 William Leslie Tumpane 1954-63 C. Blogg 1963-66 J. Tapper 1967-68 Mrs A. McKay 1969-78 the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Graeme Wilson 1979-83 Several Australian children also attended these Raymond Hanlon 1983-85 classes. Douglas Landy 1985-87 In 1971 the school moved to a site of 13 Michael Geraghty 1988- acres (5 hectares) in Booralie Road, Terrey Hills to buildings designed by a Japanese school architect, Dr Toshihiko Ohta and the Sydney Japanese School construction carried out by Civil and Civic The Sydney Japanese School was established Pty Ltd. It was officially opened by the State on 15 May 1969, in the Memorial Hall of St. Premier, Sir Robert Askin. With the addition Alban' s Church of England in Lindfield, to of the Junior High School, there were, by meet the special needs of Japanese children April 1982, 19 Japanese teachers and 400 who required to keep abreast of their own pupils. Australian children are still welcome syllabus while temporarily living in Sydney. and are taught separately in English by four The first enrolment of 33 primary pupils was full-time teachers following the NSW taught by five teachers sent to Australia by Department of Education. Curriculum 48 Guidelines but with the addition of Japanese West Head Progressive School/Eramboo language and culture. There are also seven The West Head Progressive School was part-time teachers of English as a second commenced in 1972 on land on West Head language. Road leased from the Crown by the trustees The school's objectives are 'to produce of the Australian School of Social Sciences. Japanese and Australians who possess an The school was opened by University abundance of the finest human qualities lecturers and teachers to allow children to work at their own pace. After four years it amalgamated with the Australian International Independent School. It is now Eramboo, World Study Centre for external students, founded by the former Principal of Ku-ring gai High School and the International School, William Eason, who is co-Director with Gwen Foley. Eramboo (Aboriginal for 'tomorrow') is a Aerial view of Sydney Japanese School, non-profit educational organisation concerned 1977, with claypits in background Mr Yutaka Akagi (Principal) with his assistant Fusae Harada, 1988 befitting the founders of a peaceful country and world'. The main aims for the pupils are: 1. Having a healthy mind and body. Aerial view of Sydney Japanese School, 2. Showing consideration to others. 1980s, showing Northern Beaches Christian 3. Developing mental abilities to the fullest. School in background Mr William J. Eason, founding Director of The present Principal is Mr Yutaka Akagi. 'Eramboo' 49 with lifelong education and world outlook. The community life, with parent involvement as a temporary buildings as classrooms. It was philosophy of the school is reflected in its feature of the school. In 1981 it commenced started by the Armenian community who live Aboriginal name expounding future happiness in a rented hall belonging to the Serbian in the Ryde, Willoughby and Frenchs Forest relating directly to world understanding. Orthodox Church in Mona Vale. The areas, and who have their church - the The external studies subjects focus following year the school rented an acre from Armenian Apostolic Church - in Macquarie particularly on global thinking. Students Chinese owners in Booralie Road, opposite Street, Chatswood. Its aims are to keep alive attending Eramboo study writing skills, Booligal Road, establishing temporary the Armenian culture - one of the oldest in techniques to enhance the enjoyment of the buildings and remaining there for three years. the modern world - its language and music, written word, lateral thinking and media The 60 pupils soon increased to 140 and in which is in danger of slipping away behind resources among others. It is not allied to any 1986 the school moved to its present location the iron curtain. The children study these political, economic or religious organisation. with 4.5 hectares of ground. It is a private subjects for an hour each day, the rest of the school that caters for pupils from day is devoted to following the NSW Kinma Kindergarten to Year 12 and currently has Education Department Curriculum. With a Kinma (Aboriginal for 'awakening'): on the 280 children with a staff of 22 teachers and 4 teaching staff of 12 (7 are Australian) the 165 corner of Aumuna and Coolowie Roads is a ancillary workers. The Principal is Pastor B. children are taken to fourth grade. The parent-run school, which moved from Belrose Wright. atmosphere of the little school is one of in 197 4 to 4. 8 acres (2 hectares) of land - happiness and gratitude at being able to live formerly owned by Robert Kastell. The school at last in peace in .a country where children is non-denominational, with over 70 children The Armenian School can grow in freedom. attending, plus 50 preschool children. The In Tooronga Road the Hamazkaine's Arshak The school has just purchased land at Co-ordinator is Margaret White and the and Sophia Galstaud (Armenian) School, Ingleside - Smokey Dawson' s Ranch - and Administrator, Ann Jarman. commenced in 1986 on 2 hectares with plans to build a larger school there. Northern Beaches Christian School The school is situated in Echunga Road, adjoining the Japanese School and surrounded by natural bushland with its reclaimed playing field formerly part of the brick pits. The school - 'undenominational' - is in two Group of students at Hamazkaine parts, with the Church the centre of its world. Arshak and Sophia Galstaud The idea for the school started in 1972 as a School in Tooronga Road, community of Christian families and Terrey Hills individuals, and the school is seen as an extension of the functions of family and 50 The Preschool and Kindergarten In the 1950s a group of Terrey Hills women realised the necessity for a preschool and kindergarten for their children. Margaret Hills, wife of Cecil and spokeswoman for the group, contacted the Kindergarten Union of Australia and organised occasional visits by the mobile kindergarten. The bus parked adjacent to what is now the Frank Beckman Reserve where the children could play as well as enjoy the kindergarten classes. As the number of children grew Pat Barrie, wife of Bruce, and her assistant Shirley Neeve conducted kindergarten for six years in the Community Hall - a temporary arrangement until a kindergarten could be built. It was fundraising time again. Lamington drives were the order of the day plus the normal painless extraction of money for cakes, raffles, and so on. The architect of the two adjacent buildings - the Community Centre and the Library - J. Torzillo also designed the kindergarten building. Local effort raised $8000. In the early 1970s the kindergarten was opened at a total cost of $30 000. Margaret Moore was the first President with Anne Penze as Vice-President. The present Director is Debbie Pierce. Frank Beckman Reserve The Post Office The postal address for the early pioneers of the district was apparently N arrabeen via Windsor; one assumes their letters were fewand far between. In 1936 one of the original settlers, Ruby Duncan, allotted one of the old buses she had acquired for use as a post office. This was situated on the eastern corner of Cooyong and Pitt Water (Mona Vale) Roads. The unofficial postmistress was Miss Trennary. Most of the mail was brought out from St. Ives, by Jimmy Maunder in his school bus. Later, a little weatherboard dwelling measuring exactly 12 x 12 feet (3.6 x 3. 6 metres) was built near the corner of Booralie and Pitt Water Roads. This had the inglorious reputation of being one of the smallest post offices in the Commonwealth (albeit unofficial). Mrs Kershaw was postmistress. There were no mail deliveries until May 1955 so residents walked each day up to three miles, there and back, to collect their mail and supplies. In the 1940s Royles bus from Chatswood often stopped, allowing passengers enough time to collect their mail and reboard. (This bus company changed its name to Forest Coach Lines in 1963.) The next post office was a sub-agency conducted by Brian White within the precincts on 21 July 1978 with a staffof postmaster, The second (unofficial) Terrey Hills post office of Steward's butcher shop where he worked as postman and two part-time contractor on Pitt Water Road a butcher. This was located in front of the (Norma Wise and Elsie Glover) to serve present post office, which became the first the top of Terrey Hills and Duffy Forest. official Terrey Hills Post Office. It was opened The present Postmaster is Christopher Rake. 52 Issued Monthly by the TERREY HILLS PROGRESS ASSOCIATION PROGRESS(Meets In the Community Hall on the SECOND TUESDAY of EVERY MONTH at 8 p.m.) Article from 'Progress', 1978 REPORT BUSHFIRES TO: 000 POLICE: 4 51 1066 EMERGENCY: 2 222. AMBULANCE: 211 2233. �Jc .27c SEPTEMBER, 1978 :ERREY Hl,LS POST OFFICE On rhe 21 sf July 1978 rhe ?ostol Commission raised the status of the Terrey Hills Post Office from Non-Official 10 Off:c ·'JI level This elevation was due mainly to the growth of the let:-e, deliver}· area and the increased ·,usiness :;eneroted oy tr.e e ...�mion ::;f :-he residential area and the business sector. · e acting Postmaster Mr ?cui Winter wovld ...elcorne :-he opportunity to discuss with customer,; the �ervices ,.ailab1e rhrough Avstrolio Post whic:': :nay be suitec, ro their needs Enquiries may Oe directed to Mr Winter .Jn 45 0 · 41 i Ci po11,culor ;nter�H to Junior Stomp Collecton, this years No:icnoi Stomp Week will be held from 25th Septer.-cer c 1 U Octcber. The lher.1e for 1his year w =II oe "Where do stomps come from" and a booklet ex plain,rg •t>!! moi" steps involvec in producing stolT'pS will be ovoilcble free to children under 14 years. This Cooklcr hos beer: i.-.rillen one illustrated ,n ::, similar ltroightforword and semi-humorous style to lost years theme "'4/hot's so good about stomps". A 20 cent commemorative stomp will be issued i,, September for Notional Stomp Week. The some stomp will also 0e issued in a miniature sheet or four which will be ovoiiable in a sromp pock "Notional Stomp Week 1978" Another pock will Feature four base rote commemorative stomps issued during 197E and entitled "Selected Issues 1978". The new issues of stomps and first day covers will be :Jvoilocle at the Post OHice from 25 September 1978 TERREY !-'ILLS PROGRESS ASSOCIATION /J.t the August meeting or the Association the matter of the rood side stalls along Mono Vole Rd. was discussed ioilowins advice that Council was to continue legal action against stall owners. The meeting decided to request council to desist with the legol action and to allow stall owners to operate until the Oept. of Main Roods actually requires the land for the proposed read widening which is expect, do take place about 1981/82. Council hos since agreed to deFer legal action and will interview the stoll holders and will olso seek advice on the number or troHic accidents along Mono Vole Rd. Cr Dick Legg was successful in winning the recent By-Election from Mr. Ron Davis. Both candidates attended the August Progress Assn. Meeting and gave details or their policy. Voting resulh were as follows - C,. Legg 5,435 R. Dov;s 3,685. At Terrey Hills Cn. Legg 411. R. Davis 378 Informal 34. Total 823. Which is about 50% of the eligible vote - overall the voting figure was 3-6'%. R.esidenn who foiled to vote will be sent a notice asking them to explain why they foiled to vote. The sending of �he Notices is compulsory under the Local Govt. Act. The Council however makes the final de- cision on whether residents, who do net hove o �otisfoctory answer, ore to be prosecuted . The councU hos ;ncluded the exten,;on, . 10 the Commun;ty Centre at on est;moted cost cf S60,000 and extens,oru The first unofficial Terrey Hills post office to the Bush fire Brigade communication centre which has been al located the some amount. Council hm rejected on a�plicotion for odditioncl tennis cour�s and a squash court proposed for ,V10llcwo. Rd. Duffys Forest following strcng protests from local residents. Residents a'; reminded that the ne�t Progress Asscciotion Meeting will take place an Tuesday September 12th or u ;,.� ,,t the Community c�ntr� Holl. ihe meeting will discuss o list . of works reGu1reU ;,-, •L• rlistric: for submissicn to Council for ir.clusion m o three year works programme. IF you hove any suggestions _ for rood 1mpru .. .:.:-;-'!''"'k ccme along and put forward your suggest ions. 53 Werringbh Shire Bush Fire Brigades The Volunteer Bush Base Office, Fire Brigade Terrey Hills, N.S.''I'. 9 th December 1957. The community achieved a great deal through .Daer lire R.Cooke, Misses Jo,-ce Balee the 'clout' and commitment of the Progress Pam Cooke, Association. The raising of money and new - Ruth Shepherd Annabelle Stransky ideas to induce the public to part with their Sandra Stransky, Master David Crofts, hard-earned pennies were feats in themselves. Ian Crofts, They had street stalls in St. Ives and Pat Ham, Chatswood selling homemade cakes, jams � Pat Hagnez ,I� Graham Palmer, vegetables, eggs, fruit, clothes and craftwork. Phil Powell, Barry Shephard, They had fetes with woodchopping contests, Colin Thistleton, raffles, chocolate wheels, parties with guest J. TrengrWise.ove, speakers and 'housie-housie'. There always DaTid seemed to be a 'good cause' but the cause You will be pleased to know that through your Joint near and dear to their hearts was a bush fire efforts, the sum of almost £150 was raised by the road ooll brigade. The threat of bushfires was with -eotion on our -be half, last Saturday an d Sunday them constantly, especially during the summer This imposing sum will enable us to buy a two-way months and in time of drought. The community was meanwhile without water until radio for the Group Captain's vehicle as well as other muoh 1967 and the fires were fought bravely but -Deeo.ed equipmeDt. with primitive means. A great number of fires The radio will make it possible for Mr Kerswell to originated from picnic spots around Pittwater keep in 0ODstant oommUDication with the taskers in time of and Cowan Waters, roaring up the steep cliffs massed with dry scrub to engulf the settle crisis. ment on top of the ridge; the inflammable Your UDsalfishness iD giving almost the whole of undergrowth a fire bomb and relatively your weekend for the oommUDiips goo� has won the admiration unstoppable if driven by a hot wind. of all thfi members of the Brigade and, who knows, the money In 1943 the residents decided to organise a ·i,s Letter from Bush might someday the means of saving your home as well as Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade. The complete Fire Brigade, 1957 story of the Terrey Hills Volunteer Bush Fire those of your nf,ighbours. Brigade is told in Robert Charteris' s excellent book Forty Flaming Years - 1942-82. The first meeting was held at the Terrey Hills 54 School on 12 December 1942, with about 25 them during the ordeal. In 1945 the Brigade now over 80 years old and, together with local citizens attending. Bob Kerswell chaired had over 70 members, two years later this another volunteer, Jan Bennett, assisted and the first meeting and, after the formation of had risen to 90 and today there are about 35 co-ordinated volunteers until recently. Jan the Brigade in 1943, Joe Waldon (former active members. Bennett is Communications Officer and, with axeman then a nurseryman) was elected In 1973 the 30.5 metre high steel tower - other members of her family, is a volunteer Captain, Eileen Blake became Secretary, 36.6 metres with the addition of the radio attached to Tumbledown Dick Volunteer Bush Treasurer and fundraiser, and Keith Biden of mast and lightning rod - was built adjacent Fire Brigade, established in the 1960s. Pitt Water (Mona Vale) Road was elected to the Terrey Hills Bush Fire Control Office Quietly operating in the Chase area Senior Deputy Captain. The number of in the Community Centre. This is one of the adjacent to the perimeters controlled by volunteers grew in 1945 with the return of highest points above sea level in the Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest are two other the soldiers. metropolitan area. The tower is used jointly active Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades - one at Equipment was basic but the members by the Terrey Hills Brigade to spot fires and Cottage Point and another, Coal and Candle, were tough, seasoned and well trained. The as a link to the Hornsby tower to cross which was formed in 1957 by a group of first baptism was the dreadful fire of the reference fires, and by the police as a relay conservation-minded individuals to guard summer of 1944 when the new Brigade saved aerial for their radio signals. It is manned about 8000 hectares of Ku-ring-gai Chase every threatened house without injury. during periods of high fire danger, staffed against fires. Coal and Candle has about 40 Naturally the women were behind - and mainly by volunteers of the calibre of Thelma active members including such notables as often beside - their men, either fighting the Coutts who worked for the Brigade for 25 Dick Smith and Tim Moore, the State fires or supplying food and billy tea to sustain years after her arrival from Scotland. She is Minister for the Environment. 55 corner of Pitt Water and West Head Roads, which had been set aside for the hall. The Community The first plan for the centre was drawn up by the late Mr R. Crooks and m?dified later Centre by the local architect Mr J. Torz1llo, (who designed the Library in 1964 and the When the Progress Association was formed in kindergarten in the late 1960s). Twelve the early 1930s, the committee realised that a month of hard work by the community went meeting hall would be required before long. One must remember the poverty of the majority of the first settlers and extend praise for their foresight in the early days. A Public Hall site, near the corner of West Head and Pitt Water (Mona Vale) Roads (now the site Thefill of St. Paul Anglican Church) was dedicated on 11 January 1935. Karl Brown took over as Trustee (Government Gazette No. 40, 23 February 1936) after the death of E.C. Smithurst. In 194 7, an offshoot of the Progress Association, calling themselves the Community Centre Committee, launched an appeal for funds toward the cost of building a Site for the recreation area, the local hall. As usual, the residents of Terrey Hills and 'swimming pool' Duffys Forest were quick to respond as voluntary contributors, as well as participating into building the hall; all of them were in the usual fundraising activities. An volunteers. Some names are remembered in application was made to the Lands the actual building - Ron and Norm Cook Department for dedication of Lots 73, 74 and 21 laid the bricks, Byres, Kerswell, Rhodes and (between what are now Beltana and others did the carpentry. A time capsule is Yulong Avenues) for recreational purposes. buried in the foundations containing the The volunteers This was Crown land, part of which was the site names of all the contributors. of the gravel pit and which periodically filled On 12 September 1953 the great day with rainwater becoming the local arrived when the Community Centre was swimming pool. The Department agreed to opened by the Warringah Shire President, swap this land for the original area near the Councillor J. Fisher, with a family gala and 56 Terrey ijills eommunity Poster for Festival at Community Centre, 1976 festival Saturday & Sunday 9th & 10th October 1976 at TERREY HILLS COMMUNITY CENTRE 95 Art & Craft Exhibition Craft Demonstrations . Childrens Fancy Dress on Horseback Music for the People History of Terrey Hil Is Essay Competition Plant Market School Displays 67 Bush Fi re Brigade PARISH OF Demonstration DIAGRAM A NARRASEEN Sc::ALII- FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY • ' a r ...•<-• & RESIDENTS Map of recreation area site PRIZES - be in it! further details - COMMUNITY ARTS OFFICER WARRINGAH SHIRs= COUNCIL 57 dance. Most of the expenses for the evening, kindergarten also used the premises. The old Reserve in honour of his efforts in its including the floral decorations, were donated gravel pit was transformed into two football formation, both as a citizen and as a by Melbourne Hills and family. The hall fields· there is also a cricket pitch and Councillor. became the Community Centre for the practice nets, dressing rooms and tennis In a corner of the Reserve is a small district, a venue for meetings, parties, dances, courts - with Tony Edwards, ex-Wimbledon memorial commemorating the two World wedding receptions, movies, theatrical competitor as the original coach. A Wars where, until recently, wreaths were productions and so on. The Volunteer Bush children's playground and park on the same placed by friends and relatives in memory of Fire Brigade, the Red Cross and the sit is now known as the Frank Beckman those residents who died. Opening night at Terrey Hills Community Centre, 1953 (by courtesy of Forest & Shire) with Committee members Front (from left): Len Rhodes, Jack Thistleton, George Tarry and Mel Hills; Second row: Norm Cooke, Lotte Cooke, Ron Cooke, Ruby Duncan, Fred Peacock and Ron Newlands 58 garage about to be dismantled to make way brother Arthur made chairs and tables for the The Library for the formation of John Fisher Park in children. The library was ready. North Curl Curl. The Committee accepted the It was opened in 1958 and nearly every As the population gradually increased, the offer and shifted it adjacent to the Community resident came. A children's painting need for a centre for children to spend some Centre. It was only a shell but the resourceful competition was judged by the artist Phidias recreational time was apparent. The foresight residents got to work. Dallas Dyson (father of of the children's radio series, The Argonauts. of sisters, Hilarie Lindsay and Janet Beckman, Janet and Hilarie) worked for weeks - A large exhibition of paintings from children led to the establishment of a craft centre and repairing, lining, building walls and shelves from all over the world decorated the walls. library. The story - and there always was a - Ron Cook laid the brick foundations, Among others Phillipa Lindsay's and David story in this area - started in 1957 when Frank Beckman donated timber, then painted Beckman' s paintings were chosen to be Hilarie Lindsay contacted Mary Matheson, the it. The Duncans donated all the flooring, included in the government-sponsored founder of the first library and craft Dallas Dyson then put in the ceiling and his exhibition. The Library Committee received movement in Sydney, for advice. The inaugural meeting was held at the Lindsay home in Myoora Road in October 1952. Hilarie was elected President, with Janet Beckman as Vice-president, Mrs Lutton as Secretary and Mrs Beaver, Mrs Perry, Councillor Frank Beckman, Mr Lindsay and Mr Tyson as committee members. The library opened, with donations of books, in a small room 15 x 7 feet (4.5 x 2 metres) at the side of Mrs Tysons's drapers shop, near the corner of Booralie and Myoora Roads and almost opposite the present Uniting Church. It was known as the Terrey Hills Boys' and Girls' Library and Craft Centre. Simple crafts, such as painting, printing, basketry, puppetry and pottery were taught. By 1958 there were 128 children using the facilities, which became impossibly overcrowded. Janet and Hilarie, renowned for direct action, decided it was time to approach the Shire for new premises. After waiting for eight hours outside the door of the President, John Reed presenring JOO books published by his company to the Terrey Hills Library, he agreed to see them and offered a disused 1974; (from left): John Reed, Janet Beckman, Karl Brown and A. B. Currie 59 publicity and £100 from the Council in preschoolers each Thursday. During Book the adult section and Bert Curry the recognition of their efforts. They felt they Week various classes f rom the school visited children's. The first meeting was held in the were at last official. the library swelling the numbers until it was new library on 21 October 1965. A new Mrs McIntosh of Booralie Road taught the virtually impossible to move. Committee, constituted at their request by the children to paint each Saturday morning; Ted In 1961 Hilarie and Janet attended a Shire Shire, became Terrey Hills Library 530A Minty of Cooyong Road taught chess to a meeting to present the sketch plans for a new Committee. keen group on Sunday afternoon; other craft library drawn up by generous local architect, Hilarie Lindsay and her family, after living continued. As it became a popular venue with Jack Torzillo. These plans were passed and in in Terrey Hills for 10 years, moved to over 200 children and 30 adult library 1964 the Shire voted £6000 to build the new Hunters Hill, just before the new library was members, it was obvious that even this room library. (The old garage became the Red built but will always be remembered as the was too small. Pressure was mounted for a Cross room for some years before becoming pioneer of its inception and with gratitude for better room. Staffing was also a problem and the Pony Club Room in Duffys Forest). The her six years of tireless work, as will Janet fundraising an ongoing necessity. In 1959 new library was opened in 1965. Barbara and Frank Beckman, Karl Brown, Bert Curry, again due to the efforts of Hilarie Lindsay, a Wentworth, wife of William Wentworth, MP, Helen Coleman, Kay Williams, Miss mobile kindergarten was brought tO' Terrey was Patron. The library was now fully Showels, Mrs Hardie, the Duncans, the Hills and the library became the centre for the operational with Janet Beckman in charge of Tysons, Dysons and many others. Committee members at opening of the new Library at Terrey Hills by Councillor Frank Beckman, 9 October 1965; (from left): Hilarie Lindsay (Co-founder and Past President), Kay Williams (Honorary Treasurer), Janet Beckman (Co-founder and President) Phillip Lindsay and Frank Beckman 60 What do we noYI find. In the current copy ot the • inut.ea ,.. ••• that the Parka & R serYea Commit.tee haa rec011111el'IICleC1 tha\ an 16th March,1959. Archit.ect aum it. a plan tor ext.enaing the library at �arr11.been at the coat ot £1600. Their present. bu1le1ina 1• like Buakizl4'haa Dear Mr. Cooper, Palace compared to oura. Th•.Y haYe every •enity inclUCliiia aewerage, aink, waahbaain et.c. :X.•t. year If• port. -• ,iiyen £60 t.o All ourerepreeent.ative on the Council do you teel thut. we are pay tor linoleui, on the floor. getting the sue a&&is-t.ance aa is being.freely given to other Children& Libraries in the Sh1re7 Wh7 are theae areaa given whatever they aak for while we ot Terrey last year we asket'.1 for £1000 to erect a peraanent library Rill• are fobbed off with an,yt.hiq. OU.r ohilaren need it Juat. u buil Letter to Warringah Shire concerning financial assistancefor the library, 1959 61 President. We meet on the third Monday of commenced with 13 members. Mr L. each month and would welcome new Melrose, the local chemist, was Patron. The The Red Cross members.' group calls itself 'The Senior Citizens of The Terrey Hills Red Cross was founded by Terrey Hills and Duffys Forest' and meets Helen Coleman in 1952 after an inaugural each Thursday afternoon in the annexe of the meeting at the Public School, chaired by Mr Community Hall to play indoor bowls and to J. Pritchard from Red Cross Headquarters. The Clubs enjoy fellowship. There are 32 members at A group of about twelve was formed with Senior Citizens' Club present and they look forward to the day Mr J. Thistleton becoming the first President The Club was started by the late Mr when they have their own premises and can and Helen Coleman as the first Secretary - McAskell in 1979. Mr McAskell was a invite members from other clubs. she has remained in this office for 36 years. member of the Warringah Shire Council and Helen recalled the early days recently. 'We specialised in services for the aged. The Club met in each other's homes each month and Boy Scouts and Cubs have continued our activities over the years The first scouting group in the Terrey Hills with our dedicated members allowing us to Duffys Forest district was in fact a Cub pack send a healthy cheque into Headquarters formed in 1940 by Sheila Brown (later general fund each year. Our activities include Morrison), daughter of Karl and Fay Brown. street stalls, hospital visiting, a library service The pack consisted of nine boys and was for the local nursing home, general care for registered in 1941, after Sheila had trained to any evacuees during bushfires - eight homes became a 'Lady Cubmaster' under the were burnt down at Ingleside one year, and we Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs, fed and provided emergency accom Northern Suburbs, Wal Dearin. modation for the families - and, of course, The pack went into recess after a few the annual event put on by the Fire Brigade months until 1962 when a new Scout group for the children. There are Christmas carols was formed. The first thought after formation first, with refreshments provided by us for was to initiate fundraising to build a Scout which we charge a small fee, then Santa Claus hall. The usual community spirit emerged and descends from the top of the fire tower with soon, not only those directly involved in his bag of toys - I always have my heart scouting, but also those who knew and in my mouth on that occasion.' respected the activities of the movement put 'Our meetings took place, after some their shoulders to the wheel. Fetes, bottle years, in the little hut, which is now used by drives and so on were organised to raise the riding people, but now we have the money for equipment and for the future annexe of the Community Hall next to the Second Christmas party for the Senior premises. W.C. Wentworth, MHR presented Fire Brigade, which is much better. There are Citizens' Club, 1980; L. M. Boyd (first the I st Terrey Hills Scout Troop with a flag nearly 20 of us now, with Mrs Hardie as our President) in 1963 and it is still used today. 62 The meetings were held in the Community appointed builder. Excavating, engineering, Centre for nearly 12 years until 1968 when a surveying, plumbing, electrical wiring, special lease for land near the corner of piping, tiling, building and fitting were taken Beltana A venue and West Head Road was on by volunteers. The building cost $1 I 000, issued to them by the Lands Department at an paid for by community fundraising of $8500, annual rental of $30, subject to review. the remainder loaned by the Rural Bank - Permission to build, however, was the loan being fully repaid by I 986. deferred until clarification of the actual The present Terrey Hills Scouts have two position of the Scout Hall. In 1973 Jack Cub packs one Scout troop and one (mixed) Torzillo drew up the working drawings and Venturer unit, all catering for boys aged the Hall was built by local volunteers in 8-18. The present Scoutmaster is Elwyn Lade. 1975. (Written from information provided by Warringah Shire donated $43 towards the E. Lade and by permission from the Scouting group and cleared the site; the Duncans Assocation.) supplied the timber and Frank Beckman was First Cub Pack, 1940; (from left): Maurice Webb, Robb Webb and Jim Hume with Lady Cubmaster Sheila Brown Scout Group, 1970 63 Girl Guides and Brownies held in the Methodist Hall by interested Joy Lester (now of Wauchope) founded the parents, with Val Englert speaking strongly in first unit of eight Brownies in 1963 and was favour of reforming the units. This led to the the first Brown Owl. The Brownies met in the formation of about twenty 'Tweenies' under backyard of her former home in Coonawarra the leadership of Vera Hamm, and a unit led Road. The group soon grew to 22 and Mrs by Muriel Tiller was formed, meeting at W. Garretty assisted as Tawny Owl. Terrey Hills Public School each Monday. The first Girl Guide Company was formed In 1982, with volunteer labour, and in July 1965, under the direction of Captain assistance and guidance from Kay Cutmore Lois Boyd and Lieutenant Pauline Saunders. (District Commissioner) the Guide Hall was They met in the little old Methodist Church built on land allocated by the Lands Hall in Mona Vale Road. After some years Department adjacent to the Scout Hall. The the numbers dwindled and the Company final repayment for the Hall was made to closed down. Joan Greenup of the Girl Guide Association In 1971 a crowded 'revival' meeting was of N.S.W. in November 1987. Brownie Pack, 1963; (from left): Anne Keep (Pack Leader), Guider from Harbord, Lorraine Garrity, Deborah Lester, Angelia Newlands, Christine Forney, Janet Keep, Debra Thompson, Suzanne Earl Guides 1984; Front row (from left): Hayley Smith, Deborah Sheedy; Second row: Melissa Webb, Emma Crawford, Linda Wright, Tanya Blades, Nicola Davis, Melissa Gock; Back row: Andrea Pajo, Katja Scheidereit, Melanie Barnes, Brook Cunningham, Lisa Stephens, Samantha Cudmore 64 Rotary and Philip Perry (President-elect for The Club was chartered in 1982 with 21 1988-89). In their first year the Club raised members and the first President was Clive enough money to present to the Volunteer Gannon. Of the original members six are still Bush Fire Brigade a new 'quick-response fire with the Club: John Rose, Daryl Alexander, tender'. Today there are 21 members who John Barraclough, Jim Forbes, Sam Virgona meet each Tuesday at the N.S.W. Gun Club premises in Duffys Forest. Apex Apex commenced with 11 members in 1976, with Bob Webster becoming the first President. It soon grew to 20 members and has maintained that number. Bob Heinrich is current President and the Club meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Monash Country Club. John Rose, one of the six charter members of Terrey Hill Rotary Club 65 ---CRICKET CLUB. Added interest has marked the progress of the club and improved play has characterised the two matches just completed. Out run of losses look like being ho 1 tea as this goes to print and the gradual moulding of a better team gives us hope that we will give a gooa: ccount of ourselves and surprise the oppisition before the season progrGss s much further. Last month we welcomed to the team Max Johnson , Juhn Strano and Tom Mazlin. Tom made a very auspicious stnrt in the current match by scoring o brillinnt 76 nd it •:ms just what the team needed at this time ; we look forward to many more runs off his freely wield�d bat! From the 'Community Centre News' 1954 66 Graham Brown coached the Under-8s team In 1985 the Vikings amalgamated with the efforts of Rob Williams and Norm Pounder, and there were other coaches, such as Belrose Rangers to become the Belrose-Terrey who became the first President. They called Rodney Maroc, for the Under-lOs and Hills Soccer Club. Today there are 33 teams themselves 'The Tigers' and competed in the Under-12s with Chris Gordon current President of the Manly-Warringah district with one team. In teams. After a drive for membership the Club. 1979 they competed with two teams and numbers soon swelled. Two of the boys eventually were able to muster four teams. recruited, the Dunn brothers, subsequently Terrey Hills Rugby League Club The Club folded due to lack of support at the became very involved with the game, The Club was formed in 1977 thanks to the end of the 1982 season. supported for many years by their father, Harry, who later became Secretary/Treasurer. Prior to the formation of the Club, Brett and Chris, sons of Hal Mooney, and about three other boys played with the St. Ives team competing within the Ku-ring-gai district. It was considered that these five boys would be the nucleus of the Under-12s team. This proved to be the foundation of the Terrey Hills Rugby Football Club that soon became a force playing within the district of Manly Warringah. Soccer Club The Club, known as the Terrey Hills Vikings, was formed on 16 February 1973 with two adult and two junior teams, after application to and acceptance by the Manly-Warringah Soccer Association for playing divisions. R. Davis was elected first President and B Ballentine Secretary/ Treasurer. Alan was trainer of the Under-12s with V. S�in Sutton trainer of the Under-IOs. The jersey chosen was all black with a white V-neck and band on a short sleeve; the shorts black with a white stripe. Terrey Hills 'Vikings' Soccer Club, c.1973 67 Many of the settlers were still living in the young at Terrey Hills were not receiving The Churches poverty in humpies, with some of the children religious instruction. In 1940, with her friend requiring winter clothing and shoes. These Mrs Webb, she travelled out by car to Mr Methodist (now Uniting) Church were distributed each Sunday to the needy, as and Mrs Baker's home where she instructed The Gordon circuit of the Methodist Church as many children as they could muster, all began in 1935 in Terrey Hills with the they arrived at the hall, by Miss Robbins and her friends. In 1940 an 8 foot (2 .4 metre) sitting together in the Baker's paddock. This Reverend Winston O'Reilly as minister. He became a regular class although they just visited the local families of the area extension was added to the hall to cope with the increased use. In 1941, because of petrol managed to get enough petrol for the journey suggesting that their children attend the throughout the War years. Sunday School to be held on the verandah of rationing, it became increasingly difficult to transport teachers, and the services stopped. These classes led, in 1954, to regular a private home. A year later, in 1936, a local official services each Sunday evening (and, resident, Mr Loiteron, allowed the church to However, between 1943 and 1948, services were held outdoors on 'the Sunday night later, each Sunday morning), conducted by use his garage, which was near the Canon Knox in the Community Hall. The intersection of the present Aumuna and Mona nearest the full moon'. In 1949 the garage Sunday School continued to be supervised by Vale Roads. church was moved to the present site at the Charis Young. Services were also conducted At this time the Terrey Hills population corner of Myoora and Booralie Roads with by Robert Dowthwaite and others from Moore was 300, with 30 children enrolled at the the Reverend Judd as the first Minister. The Sun�ay School. The only church in the area, present church building was opened on 6 College with Canon Knox taking Communion services were conducted every first Sunday August 1960; the garage became a Sunday services. afternoon and every third Sunday evening of School hall. In the same year, a Fellowship Terrey Hills Anglican Church was made the month, and were attended by all group for teenagers was formed. Today the part of Christ Church St. Ives in 1960. denominations. Miss Joyce Robbins, the Methodist Church is a member of the Belrose Between the years of 1962 and 1965, St. Paul founder of the Sunday School, and Miss Uniting Church circuit. The present Minister An�lican Church building was planned and Isobel Terrey were the Superintendents. is the Reverend John Weston. designed by St. Ives architect, Arthur Collins and built on its present site on the corner of ' After Mr Loiteron sold his property in (Information from A.C. Hobbins, former February 1937, the new owner, Hastings Church Secretary; Pauline Johnstone and West Head and Mona Vale Roads, by volunteer labour. In October 1965, Bishop Wilson, required his garage. Therefore, in others.) March 1937 the church bought a quarter-acre Marcus Loane opened and dedicated the (0.1 hectare) block of land further along Mona Church. The present Minister-in-Charge is the Vale _Road and purchased a garage for $43.50, St. Paul Anglican Church Reverend Neville Cooper. which was reassembled on the site by The founding of the Anglican Church in Although there was never a Presbyterian volunteer_s. This was used, not only as a place Terrey Hills stems from the dedication and church in Terrey Hills, Presbyterian services of worship, but also, later, as a meeting hall enthusiasm of a Sunday School teacher were held in private homes in the 1950s and for other groups such. as the Boy Scouts Charis Young, who taught children at Christ ' in the Community Centre for a short time ballet and Brownies. Church, St. Ives. It came to her attention that but ceased when the minister died. 68 St. Anthony-in-the-Fields In 1958 the Terrey Hills Catholic community became part of Narrabeen Parish with services given by Father Sobb at the Terrey Hills Community Hall. In 1966 one of the parishioners, Val Lawler, who had been contracted to demolish an old Presbyterian church at Fairfield, asked if this would be suitable to reassemble as a greatly needed church at Terrey Hills. Once again the spirit of the Terrey Hills people came to the fore and soon, with volunteers for all sorts of tasks (and pots of tea from Margaret Hills whose property adjoined the newly acquired land for the Church on Myoora Road) the Church was rebuilt in time for the first service on Christmas Day 1966. In 1971 the Church came under the administration of the Passionist Fathers of Killeaton Street East, St. Ives. Father Peter McGrath, the original administrator is still the parish priest. Originally there were 30 parishioners attending each Sunday; three years later three services were held, one on Saturday evening and two on Sunday with approximately 400 people attending. - extensions were imperative. In 1975 Bruce Smith, with contractors, subcontractors and a host of helpers commenced to extend the original building. This was completed in about four months. While the extension to the Church was under construction, services were again held in the Community Hall. The complete story of St. Anthony-in-the-Fields is told in Sister Leonie Martin's entertaining little saga Fill My House written in 1982. Christmas at St. Anthony's, 1982 69 Industrial and Commercial Development The first resident doctor was Dr Morrison block was released by the Shire in quarter approved and released. The average price was who had rooms on the site of the present acre residential blocks south of Booralie Road $5500 per block. (By 1973 the price had risen takeaway food shop. The first dairy was run to Mona Vale Road. These were available for to $17 000-$18 500 per block; average prices by Mr Cummings from around 1939; the purchase with 99 year leases. After the town today are in the region of $140 000 per first milkman came in a horse-drawn vehicle water arrived in 1967, there was a further block.) and later, in an old truck, from Dee Why. The release of 140 acres (57 hectares), between In about 1969, three lots on the north side first riding school - Flittens Valley - Booralie and Cooyong Roads, for residential of Booralie Road, previously set aside for commenced in the 1940s. The first store in blocks, approximately 20 acres (8 hectares) of public usage, became the nucleus of what was Terrey Hills was the Hills Pioneer Store started which was earmarked, in spite of great to become the present Terre Hills Shopping in the early 1920s and the first garage was opposition from the locals, for light industry Centre. Mrs Tyson's drapers shop was George Veitch's on West Head Road. The first in order to encourage local employment. situated on the site of what became the Gift 'developed' (kerbed and guttered) street was There are many businesses operating between Shop. In January 1968 Leonard Melrose, the Bindook Crescent in 1955. Unfortunately the Booralie and Cooyong Roads today. Scattered first Terrey Hills pharmacist, came from first local newspaper, Terrey Hills & Shire around the area are also very successful Inverell. He set up his pharmacy in the back News, produced on 1 March 1973 was specialist nurseries, a pheasant and quail room of Mrs Tyson's shop cum house. with discontinued after the second issue. breeding establishment, a blacksmith. a a 'hole in the wall' to attend to customers. He The main impetus for development came in pottery, riding schools, kennels, a caravan and his assistant, Shirley Neeve, remained in the 1950s and 1960s with the release of a large park, a motel with horse-boarding fac ilities, these premises for three years until moving to number of residential blocks of land. The and 'The Pines' Retirement Village and the comer of Yulong A venue and Booralie consequent increase in population made Nursing Home. Road and opening up larger premises (now commercial development an attractive In 1968 a subdivision of 700 home sites the takeaway food shop). The pharmacy proposition. in the area bounded by Ku-ring-gai Chase, remained here for seven years until the new In the mid-1950s a 10 acre (4 hectare) Cooyong Road, Laitoki Road and Mona shops were built in 1977 and the phannacy Vale/McCarrs Creek Roads were also moved to the present site. 70 Roads A track up over the hills following the ridges be asked to include in their post-War 1947 and, in 1950, the remaining gravel was in existence and mentioned in the programme the work of completing all portion was drained and regraded then tarred Australian Directory in 1832: 'the path from unmade and unfinished roads in Terrey Hills. for nearly one mile towards Duffys Forest to Pennant Hills reaches the sea and joins the This was resolved upon, the following roads permit extension of the bus service. At the coastal road at the farm of one Foley, a being specified: Aumuna, Cooyong, Laitoki, same time Laitoki Road was formed and tenant of Mr Wentworth'. Robert Pymble, the Tooronga and Larool'. Later the same year gravelled between Booralie and Tooronga Olivers and the Porters also used the track to the Progress Association again cried for Roads, Aumuna Road was regraded and cart their timber and other goods, some 'Urgent work (1) to remake or regrade Cooyong Road was gravelled from Larool travelling as far as Fiddens Wharf where Booralie Road for at least one mile from the Road to the Public School. timber was floated down or taken in barges to junction of Pitt Water [Mona Vale] Road; An area of 30 acres on the northern corner Sydney Town. (2) to regrade all roads in Terrey Hills, most at the junction of Myoora and Pitt Water Most of the early roads were just tracks of them in a deplorable condition and (3) [to (Mona Vale) Roads was gazetted and with Booralie Road - formerly Duffy's Track provide] new road signs. It was resolved to dedicated in 1947 for a Women's Athletic - a track of levelled stumps. Written into the remind Council that road signs had not yet Sportsground, in recognition of the Minutes of the 88th General Meeting of the been replaced as promised.' (All were contribution women made during World Terrey Hills Progress Association of 9 May removed during the War to hinder potential War II. The area is currently leased from 1945 is the following note: 'Mr Kerswell, invaders.) the trustees by Bradshaw Industries for the (seconded by Mr Curry) moved that Council Booralie Road was the first street tarred in disposal of waste. 72 Local Place and Street Names Cowan Creek: Aboriginal for big water, the beyond the capabilities of the team, dropped West Head Road: Named for obvious name first appeared when William Bean to its knees and refused to budge until a log reasons. West Head became a fortified area applied for a grant of land near the Creek in or two was removed. during World War II with machine guns 1826. Known officially, however, in 1873 a Mona Vale Road: Formerly Lane Cove mounted in the rocks below with troops in Southwest Arm. Road, but known as Pitt Water Road from support. Consequently the road leading to it 1870 until 1950 when the name was changed was the best in the area. There is a Coal and Candle Creek: to Gordon Road. In 1956 it became Mona Forest Way: Formerly Pymble Road. suggestion of a homophone of Colin Campbell, a Scot known to have been in the Vale Road. Mona Vale was named by Daniel Foley of 'Sheepstation Hill'. The names of many of the roads in Terrey area but the name is most commonly Pittwater: Named by Captain Arthur Phillip Hills are Aboriginal: supposed to describe two rock formations in 1788, for William Pitt the Younger, Prime Kallaroo: cold weather; Kimbriki: water above the Creek, one resembling a piece of Minister of Great Britain. reed; Coonawarra: honeysuckle rise; coal, with a perpendicular rock above it as Liberator General San Martin Drive: Cooyong: bandicoot; Dandenong: high; the candle. The Lands Department has a Formerly track to Terrey's Point (now Cowrang: brown gravel; Coreen: end of reference to this area in 1879. Cottage Point) surveyed by Burdett in 1885. hills; Nerang: little; Jamberoo: track; Tumbledown Dick Hill: Named after William This name was given to the road after a Burraga: bitter swamp water or rocky water; Oliver's lead bullock, Dick, which, if it visiting American General during World Beltana: running water or from teltana thought the load to be hauled up the steep hill War II. meaning possum skin. 73